Universe in the Park

Description

This is a free, in-person, rain or shine event hosted on July 17, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. by Lake Kegonsa State Park in Stoughton, WI in the Upper Picnic Area. No registration is necessary for this event. This talk will not be held virtually. Please contact (608) 873-9695 for park information and weather concerns. A typical UitP session begins just after sunset with a 30-40 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. While particular topics are left up to the presenters, they usually give a broad overview of one or two astronomy topics. Recent astronomical news is frequently discussed, such as the discovery of new solar systems, the demotion of Pluto, and the latest results from the Hubble Space Telescope. 

At the conclusion of the talk, weather permitting, we set up a moderate aperture (8″-10″) telescope and provide park visitors the opportunity to view available astronomical objects. UitP sessions run as long as there are people interested in looking through the telescope, and the parks typically close before the interest has been sated. Though all are welcome, the talk is best suited for ages 8+, and telescope viewing for ages 4+. Abigail (Abby) Fagerlin is a current physics undergraduate student and researcher at UW-Madison. She will be a third-year student, and research in fields spanning from telescope instrumentation/imaging technology to Observational Cosmology in Professor Peter Timbie’s research group.

This event will be held rain or shine.

Group/Program Hosting: UW-Madison Badger Talks/Park Staff
Property & Event Location: Lake Kegonsa State Park, 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589 - Upper Picnic Area
Event Contact: Alex Mentele, alexandra.mentele@wisconsin.gov, 608-873-9695