Contact: Leah Barbour
As "Star Wars" fans around the world celebrate Sunday's informal "May the 4th Be with You" holiday, Mississippi State astronomers will open the university's observatory for stargazing.
Sponsored by the physics and astronomy department, the free viewing at E.I. Howell Observatory takes place 8-10 p.m. Clouds or inclement weather will cancel the event.
Located on the Leveck Animal Research Center, also known as South Farm, the observatory may be reached by taking Blackjack Road to the intersection of Stone Boulevard, then turning south onto Stone Boulevard Extended and continuing for two miles. Signs mark the route to the site.
Heavenly bodies on display will include Jupiter, Mars and Earth's moon.
Angelle Tanner, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, is organizing the viewing. She and a team of physics and astronomy majors will be available to answer questions and offer insights about planets and stars.
For more information, contact Tanner at 662-325-4112 or at876@msstate.edu.