'Howell at the Moon' for Halloween at MSU's South Farm

Contact: Leah Barbour

Moon, courtesy of Shutterstock; Bully, courtesy of MSU Photographer Megan Bean.
Moon, courtesy of Shutterstock; Bully, courtesy of MSU Photographer Megan Bean.

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Halloween ghosts, ghouls and spooks of all ages are invited to "Howell at the Moon" with Mississippi State astronomers.

University officials from the physics and astronomy department, including assistant professor Angelle Tanner, will open E.I. Howell Observatory on Friday [Oct. 31] for free 6:30-8:30 p.m. stargazing. Inclement weather or clouds will cancel the viewing.

The observatory is located at South Farm, also known as the Leveck Animal Research Center. To reach the facility, stargazers should take Blackjack Road from state Highway 12 in Starkville to the intersection of Stone Boulevard, then turn south onto Stone Boulevard Extended and follow the signs to the site.

"Costumes are encouraged, and there will be candy," Tanner said. "We will observe the Andromeda galaxy, Mars and, of course, the moon."

Tanner will be available at the observatory to answer questions and offer insights about the moon, stars and planets.

For more information, contact Tanner at 662-325-4112 or at876@msstate.edu.

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