Upcoming events | College of Biological Sciences

March 24: How to Use a Telescope & Star Party

Receive a new telescope as a gift or new to using telescopes? In the first Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Star Party of 2023, experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through the basics of telescope use and help you learn more about your telescope and how to use it. If the skies are clear, practice what you learned using your telescope. In addition, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, March 24, or Saturday, March 25. You do not need to register for this event.

April 11: Lunch with a Scientist: Lichens as Environmental Indicators

Lichens are a fascinating example of symbiosis in ecology. In lichens, algae and fungi support each other to survive in unique habitats and locations. Lichens also can inform scientists about environmental quality and climate change. Join us for April's Lunch with a Scientist when we host Dr. Natália Koch as she describes the unique characteristics of lichens but also their utility in science as environmental indicators.

April's Lunch with a Scientist program is hybrid, join us online or in person at Cedar Creek. Visit our Lunch with a Scientist page for details.

April 28: Spring Constellations & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night skies in Spring. Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through the April skies. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, March 24, or Saturday, March 25. You do not need to register for this event.

May 12: What’s up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in May. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, May 12, or Saturday, May 13. You do not need to register for this event.

August 25: What’s up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, August 25, or Saturday, August 26. You do not need to register for this event.

September 22: What's Up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, September 22, or Saturday, September 23. You do not need to register for this event.

October 20: Telescope Purchasing 101 & Star Party

Thinking about purchasing a telescope? This special Star Party program will include a presentation about telescope anatomy and terminology. Experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society members will also highlight key components and considerations to think about before purchasing a telescope. After the presentation, if the weather cooperates, head outside and view the night sky through telescopes. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, October 20, or Saturday, October 21. You do not need to register for this event.