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Monthly Conversations with Astronomers at Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Monthly Conversations with Astronomers at Dearborn Observatory

For over 100 years, Dearborn Observatory has been hosting weekly public viewing sessions, and in 2015, researchers at CIERA hosted several Astronomer Evenings to celebrate the centennial of Albert Einstein’s landmark papers on general relativity. In 2016, Astronomer Evenings became a regularly occurring event, taking place in addition to the weekly viewings on the final Friday of each month

As the sky darkens, come in to chat with CIERA’s own astronomers about any astronomy questions you’re curious about. After expert volunteers introduce a topic, the evenings go into free-flowing discussions, open Q&As, and interactive demonstrations of astronomical topics – as well as a chance to view the stars through Dearborn’s historic telescope dating back to the 1860s. Dozens of people have been coming to converse with astronomers every month, walking away with new knowledge about the cosmos under their belts. And for volunteers, the Evenings are also a fun chance to connect with Evanston’s community and think through scientific questions – no matter how big, small, or wild.

“It’s definitely for all ages and experience levels. 100% it is for people who have never opened a science book and for people who are scientists themselves.”
– Former Lead Organizer Chase Kimball

From amateur astronomers, to Northwestern undergraduates, to little kids who are seeing a telescope for the first time, CIERA Astronomer Evenings offer something to everybody of all ages and knowledge levels.

When
Weekly Dearborn Night Viewing

Every Friday!

April – September:   9 – 11pm
October – March:      8 – 10pm

Dearborn Observatory is open nearly every Friday for night viewing. The first hour is typically by reservation and the second hour is for walk-in viewing. To learn more about Dearborn Observatory and weekly Friday night viewings, including signing up for a reserved time, visit the Observatory website.

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Final Fridays of each month!

April – September:   9 – 11pm
October – March:      8 – 10pm

*November and December are usually combined into one event in early December. See exact dates below under Upcoming Events.

On the last Friday of each month, CIERA Astronomer Evenings combines with the weekly Friday viewing sessions, and runs for the full two hours, no reservation needed. Feel free to stop by any time during the two-hour window! (Note the first hour for telescope viewing is usually still reservation only, but CIERA astronomers will be available for anyone to chat with for the full two hours.)

Dearborn Observatory Address

2131 Tech Drive
Evanston, IL, 60208

View Dearborn on Google Maps or the interactive Northwestern Map, which also shows nearby parking. Consider the North Campus Parking Garage or the parking lot at the corner of Noyes Street and Sheridan Road. Parking after 4:00 PM is generally free.

 

Upcoming Events

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

May 30, 2025
9:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Jun 27, 2025
9:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Jul 25, 2025
9:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Aug 29, 2025
9:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Sep 26, 2025
9:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Nov 07, 2025
8:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory

CIERA Astronomer Evenings

Dec 05, 2025
8:00 PM
Dearborn Observatory