The Department of Physics and Astronomy operates two observatories on the southern edge of campus. Andreas Observatory and Standeford Observatory form the foundation of the department's observing program, which serves a variety of students and visitors.
Students in a number of Astronomy and Earth Science courses make use of the observatories on a regular basis:
Students in AST 101, AST 102, AST 115, GEOL 305, and GEOL 310 visit Standeford Observatory to obtain telescopic views of celestial objects they learn about in class. Observing these objects in person provides a different perspective from that obtained in lecture or by reading textbooks.
Students in AST 125 (Observational Astronomy) learn how to locate objects in the sky using the telescopes at Standeford Observatory. Those who become especially proficient may subsequently be employed there as observing assistants.
Students in the upper-level observing courses (AST 353, AST 354, AST 355, AST 357) are usually astronomy majors or minors. They learn to use the observing equipment at Andreas Observatory as part of their professional training.
Other MSU students – as well as faculty and staff – are welcome to visit Standeford Observatory any time during the regular hours of operation. Students are encouraged to bring their friends.
The public is invited to Thursday Nights at Standeford Observatory and Open House at Andreas Observatory, events that are held regularly during the fall and spring observing seasons.
Occasionally special observing events are held at Andreas Observatory and/or Standeford Observatory (or sometimes elsewhere on campus). These may involve eclipses, transits, planetary conjunctions, comets, or other interesting phenomena. Announcements of these will be made on the Special Observing Events page and in the local press.
Groups interested in touring Andreas Observatory should make arrangements with Dr. Steven Kipp. Groups wishing to come to Standeford Observatory should contact Dr. James Pierce.
Standeford Observatory and Andreas Observatory are open regularly during the fall and spring observing seasons, and occasionally during the summer. Hours and days of operation vary with the season, the weather, and demand.
