Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Mississippi has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.
For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Mississippi that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in July 2024. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.
Barnard Observatory
The Barnard Observatory is named for Frederick A. Barnard and is one of the oldest buildings on the University of Mississippi’s campus in Oxford, Mississippi. The observatory’s namesake was the third chancellor of the University and during his time as chancellor, the observatory was added to campus in 1859 and is maintained by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
Visiting
Though the observatory’s webpage does not specify any astronomy related events, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture holds many events in the observatory. The calendar of these events can be found here
Image Credit: Mark Hilton, April 8, 2017
Howell Observatory
The Howell Observatory is part of Mississippi State University Campus in Starkville, Mississippi. It is maintained by the H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center, also known as South Farm.
Telescopes
The telescopes found at this observatory include a 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain, a 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain, and a 10" Newtonian reflector.
Visiting
The Howell Observatory offers Telescope Viewing Night for the public. The event is free and welcoming to people of all ages. The calendar here lists dates for upcoming viewing nights.
Image Credit: The University of Mississippi
Kennon Observatory
Made up of two copper-roofed domes, the Kennon Observatory was built in 1939. It is maintained by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Mississippi. It is located in Oxford, Mississippi.
Telescopes
In the larger dome sits the 15” f/12 Grubb refracting telescope, a 9” photographic telescope, and a 4” visual telescope. The smaller dome has a 17” Plane Wave, a Corrected Dall-Kirkham reflecting telescope with an electronic CCD camera, a SBIG ST10 with an AO-7 adaptive optics accessory, and an attached Paramount ME.
Visiting
The Kennon Observatory holds regular Open House events during the school year. The current Open House schedule can be found here.
Image Credit: Mississippi State University
Rainwater Observatory
The Rainwater Observatory, the largest observatory in the state, is operated by the French Camp Academy and is located in French Camp, Mississippi. The observatory began operating in 1985 and found a home sitting atop an open ridge on the French Camp Academy’s Rainwater farm.
Telescopes
The Rainwater Observatory is home to over 25 telescopes and other optical instruments. The largest telescopes are a 32” Tectron with a Servocat and ArgoNavas automation system, a fully automated 25” Ritchey-Chrétien Sangre telescope with a high resolution 6” Astrophysics refractor riding piggyback, two 20” Dobsonian telescopes, and many more.
Visiting
The observatory offers many special events as well as programming for groups such as scouts, churches, and schools. There are also various free public events offered at the observatory. The event schedule can be found here.
Image Credit: Rainwater Observatory
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