Free Astronomy Night at ASUMH Feb. 16 with NASA's Wiseman

Arkansas State University–Mountain Home (ASUMH) will host Astronomy Night on Monday, February 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public, and no tickets are required.

The evening will feature a lecture by Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, a Mountain Home native and NASA scientist. Dr. Wiseman’s presentation, titled “Cosmic Wonders Await,” will explore the mysteries and marvels of the universe through the lens of modern space science.

Following the lecture, attendees are invited to participate in a stargazing experience on Keller Green, led by ASUMH faculty, staff, and volunteers. Weather permitting, participants will have the opportunity to observe the night sky using telescopes and learn more about astronomy firsthand.

Astronomy Night is being organized by a committee of ASUMH faculty and students and is made possible through a Pattee Grant written by Jessica Clanton, Physical Science faculty member. Those assisting with event planning include Dr. Eddie Dry, Mike Williams, Jason Ballard, Dane Hustead, Lillian Gaston, and Kiandre Burns.

This event offers a unique opportunity for community members of all ages to engage with science, learn from a nationally recognized expert, and enjoy an evening under the stars on the ASUMH campus.

ASUMH Astronomy Night

Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: ASUMH Campus
Cost: FREE (funded by Pattee Grant) - Open to the Public, No Tickets Required
Theme: Cosmic Wonders Await
Tagline: “Discover the beauty of the universe, one star at a time.”

SPECIAL GUEST: DR. JENNIFER WISEMAN

Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, Senior Project Scientist for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, who is also a Mountain Home native and MHHS Class of 1983 graduate.

Dr. Wiseman discovered a comet while still an undergraduate, earned her Ph.D. from Harvard, and now leads one of humanity's most important scientific instruments. She'll be presenting what major telescopes are discovering about stars, planets, galaxies, black holes, and unseen dark matter.

Dr. Wiseman's NASA bio: https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-jennifer-j-wiseman/

Dr. Wiseman NASA headshot: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/wisemancrop-jpg.webp

EVENT FORMAT (Subject to Change)

6:30 PM - Arrival & Welcome Check-in and light refreshments
6:45 PM - Dr. Wiseman's Presentation Indoor presentation in McClure Convention Center in the Sheid, featuring stunning Hubble images and the latest astronomical discoveries
7:30 PM - Optional Telescope Viewing Outdoor stargazing with telescopes provided or bring your own telescope/binoculars (weather permitting)
8:30 PM - Prizes and giveaways Indoor prizes and giveaways in Gaston Lobby on the main floor of Roller Hall
Light refreshments provided
Family-friendly, all ages welcome, FREE

ASUMH to Host Free Astronomy Night Featuring NASA Scientist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman

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