See the stars with the Department of Astronomy - Star Party 2026

Thu, April 23, 2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Smith Lab 5033 - Arne Slettebak Planetarium and Observation Deck

Star Party with the Arne Slettebak Planetarium

Celebrate National Astronomy Month with the Arne Slettebak Planetarium!

Join us to discover the wonders of the night sky with our Department of Astronomy faculty and students. During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to view a rooftop sunset, and look through our new 20-inch telescope.

Weather Update:

Given the chances of rain on Friday, we have moved the star party to Thursday Night. We will use the telescopes to see the sky on Thursday, whereas on Friday, we will have the original planetarium event for those who are registered and will be able to look AT the telescope. We will host more sky viewings in the future.

When

  • Apr. 23, 2026
  • 8:00–10:00 p.m.

Where

  • Smith Lab Observation Deck
    174 W 18th Ave
    Columbus, OH 43210

Registration for members of the public:

Registration for prospective students:

  • Please see the email sent from the Department of Astronomy or email astronomy@osu.edu for information, or attend and sign up at the event.

Registration for Current Ohio State Students:

About this event:

  • Your admission supports the Astronomy Innovation Fund. 
  • This event requires clear skies; a rain date will be scheduled in the case of inclement weather. 
  • For additional event information, click here.