Kennon Observatory

Kennon Observatory has stood on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi since 1939, its twin copper-roofed domes a familiar landmark for generations of students and stargazers.

About Kennon Observatory

The observatory is owned and operated by the University of Mississippi's Department of Physics and Astronomy. It is named after William Lee Kennon, who chaired the department for many years. The building has two copper domes and a main entrance facing south, with the whole structure precisely aligned east to west — a deliberate design choice tied to its astronomical function.

History

Kennon Observatory was constructed in 1939 as part of the federal Public Works Administration building programme that ran from 1936 to 1941. In 2011 it was designated a Mississippi Landmark in recognition of its architectural and institutional history. One of its more charming details is a small tube built into the south wall, positioned so that direct sunlight only reaches the floor twice a year, at noon on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.

Telescopes & research

The observatory houses several instruments, including a 15-inch telescope, a 5-inch telescope, and a 3-inch telescope in its transit room, supporting both teaching and public observing.

Location & getting there

Kennon Observatory is easy to find on the University of Mississippi's Oxford campus, in the heart of north-central Mississippi.

Visiting Kennon Observatory

The university holds regular Open House events at Kennon Observatory, giving the public a chance to look through its historic telescopes. Check the university's event calendar for current dates before visiting.

See your named star from here

During an open house at Kennon Observatory, the resident telescopes can be aimed at the exact right ascension and declination of any named star. Name a star for someone special, then find its position in our catalogue to look for it here.