Astronomy Nights return to UNF with new guest lectures

The University of North Florida Physics Department and the Astronomy Club host monthly Astronomy Night sessions to enjoy viewing and learning about the wonders of the night sky. These free and open-to-the-public sessions are great for families. The department has various telescopes of different types and sizes available for observation. 

Fall 2025 Astronomy Nights are as follows: 

• Friday, Sep. 5: Featuring Jack Hewitt, UNF physics professor, discussing “Stellar Atmospheres: How Quantum Science Unlocked the Stars” 
• Friday, Oct. 3: Featuring Victoria Martin, UNF assistant professor of physics, discussing “Quantum Black Holes” 
• Friday, Nov. 7: Featuring Brandon Haber, Blue Origin senior software engineer, discussing “Dragonfly mission to Titan” 
• Friday, Dec. 5: Featuring Ana Maria, general manager of the Planetarium Cusco, discussing “Cultural Astronomy in Peru” 

Astronomy Nights begin in the lobby of the Science and Engineering Building, Building 50. A guest speaker gives a short public talk starting at 9 p.m. Following the talk, participants are invited up to the rooftop to observe. 

Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and for the outdoors and to ask questions of professors and students throughout the night. Telescope viewings can only take place if cloud cover permits, but the public talk with take place regardless of the weather. If you arrive after 8:30 p.m., take the elevator to the fourth floor for observation. 

Astronomy-related activities at UNF extend beyond monthly viewing events.  

With today’s observatories generating massive datasets, modern astronomy requires strong skills in data science. UNF’s program emphasizes this reality through four new project-based astronomy courses that bring hands-on research experience into the classroom. The result is a degree that prepares students for careers not only in astronomy, but also in data-driven fields across industries. 

The Astronomy Club and Soaring Ospreys Aerospace Club are planning an upcoming behind-the-scenes tour of Kennedy Space Center and hosting speakers from the local aerospace industry. Chemistry professor Dr. Art Omran will also introduce a new course in prebiotic chemistry and astrobiology in Spring 2026. Additionally, UNF students will have the chance to join a study abroad program in Burgo, Spain, next summer to experience a total solar eclipse. 

The physics faculty also recently hosted a planetarium show at the Museum of Science and History for about 120 students. The event included conversations with some of the University’s first astronomy majors, who shared career goals ranging from becoming a professional research astronomer at NASA to becoming quants in the financial sector or museum directors. 

Learn more on the Astronomy Nights website.