News

Want to Know What's Happening Here?

As Yerkes has become a space at the confluence of culture, art, and science, we have so much going on. From our speaker series to our roster of tours to our star parties, keep up to date by getting on our email list, following us on social media, and visiting us in person. We're forever evolving into a place of diverse programs for kids and adults alike. Writers, artists, sculptors, photographers, musicians, engineers, chemists, tech innovators, and astronomers are collaborating to understand how science inspires the arts and how the arts inspire cosmic discovery. We're eager to work together at this epicenter of BIG IDEAS. What was a dormant institution a couple years ago and a construction site under full restoration just last year is now a vibrant place filled with enthusiasm, focus, and new voices in conversation. Discover what’s happening in Cobb & Hale's three domes and the junction of Olmsted ellipses. More importantly, discover how you can tap into the energy.

The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter.

We are hiring!

We are excited to announce that we are hiring a new outreach assistant! This position offers a rare opportunity for the right candidate to make their mark on one of the iconic institutions and landscapes in the history of science. The goal of the Yerkes Future Foundation is to ensure Yerkes continues to advance astronomy…

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Yerkes Observatory at night during an open house event

2025 Messier Marathon Open House

Join us for our yearly Messier Marathon open house on Saturday, March 22 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm! We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Milwaukee Astronomical Society, where they’ll provide an educational presentation about Messier objects and marathons, and observing outside if clear. We’ll also have exciting family activities, a virtual reality exploration of gravity,…

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2025 Summer Internship at Yerkes Observatory

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 undergraduate summer internship at Yerkes Observatory! We encourage all eligible students to apply after reading the information below. By participating in this internship, students will: Applications for the internship closed Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5pm CT. Applicants should expect to hear back from us by early March 2025….

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Join us for a Community Day in the Bay!

Join us for a special Community Day open house on Saturday, October 5 from 10am – 12pm! We’ll have solar observing outside on the South lawn if the weather is clear, engaging hands-on activities, scavenger hunts with prizes, presentations from Yerkes astronomers, food for purchase from Pastries by Chad, and more for your family to…

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Lunar Eclipse Open House

Join us for a special Lunar Eclipse open house on Tuesday, September 17 from 8pm – 10pm! We’ll have lunar eclipse observing outside with the Northwest Suburban Astronomers if the weather is clear, family activities, presentations from Yerkes astronomers, food for purchase from local vendors, and more for your family to enjoy.  The open house…

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