Astronomy with IAS

Looking for a fun and educational family activity this summer that’s FREE?
Take stargazing to new heights by escaping the light pollution of the city and heading to McCloud Nature Park, where thousands of stars twinkle like jewels in the dark night sky!
The Indiana Astronomical Society partners with Park Naturalists to hold sky seminars and viewings at McCloud on the Saturday nights listed below. These programs, led by expert sky watchers, are geared for the novice astronomer.
Telescopes large and small will be set up for your use. Each evening will begin with a brief informational session (“sky seminar”) in the Nature Center where you will learn which planets and constellations will be visible that night. These seminars last about 30 minutes and are best suited for ages 8 and older. Outdoor sky-viewing will begin following the seminars.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Sky seminars will take place rain or shine, but sky viewings are dependent upon clear skies. If poor weather is forecast or any severe weather advisories are issued, the sky-viewing portion of the program will be canceled.
All Astronomy programs are held on Saturdays at McCloud Nature Park. They are FREE to attend, appropriate for all ages, and no advance registration is required. Each program is approximately 2 hours in duration.
Please be advised that the park closes at 11 p.m. on Astronomy nights.
2026 Program Schedule:
Saturday, May 23 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
(Cover photo by Larry Evans)