In the summer of 2006, Standeford Observatory was moved to a new site in the woods, a few hundred yards southwest of its original location. The relocation produced a larger facility with plenty of room for students and other visitors to observe.
The public is invited to come visit Standeford Observatory on clear Thursday evenings during the fall and spring observing seasons.
Those making a Thursday trek to the observatory during the fall will be able to see a variety of celestial objects, including the Ring Nebula, the Wild Duck Cluster, the Swan Nebula, the Double Cluster in Perseus, the Dumbbell Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, numerous globular clusters, occasional planets and comets, and a host of colorful binary stars. And on some Thursdays, the Moon may even put in an appearance.
Visitors should park at the south end of Lot 1 and WALK to the observatory – a distance of about 450 yards.
If the skies are not sufficiently clear at the scheduled viewing time each evening, the observatory will not be open.
A SIGN on the GATE at the SOUTH END of Lot 1 (see map) will indicate whether Standeford Observatory is OPEN to the public.
You may phone Standeford Observatory (389-6208) during the scheduled hours (see above) to check the status of the observing event.
[If no one answers, the event is off.]
If you have special needs, please contact the MSU Disability Services Office at 389-2825.
