Did the solar eclipse get you excited about outer space? Madison is known for UFO sightings, planet discoveries, and sending tomatoes to the International Space Station.

You don’t have to leave the city to find stellar goings-on.

Washburn Observatory, 1401 Observatory Dr.
The historic observatory, completed in 1881, offers free public observing on the first and third Wednesday of each month, and every Wednesday June through August (weather permitting). Hosted by UW-Madison astronomy grad students, you can find out if it will be open on those given Wednesdays by following its X (Twitter) feed.

MMSD Planetarium, 201 S. Gammon Rd.
Run by the Madison Metropolitan School District, and located inside Vel Phillips Memorial High School, the planetarium provides immersive experiences regularly. Pro tip: Madison residents can borrow telescopes for up to two weeks for free ($5 for non-residents).

Follow the Madison Astronomy Club to connect with other astronomy buffs who are out of this world.