Horacea Smith News Today

The foundations of Michigan State Universitys first astronomy building recently came to light, showing a long history of telescope research in the Wolverine State.

The foundations of Michigan State University's first astronomy building recently came to light, showing a long history of telescope work in the Wolverine State.

Built by a professor and his students, the structure and its telescope cost about $450 in 1881. Archaeology students will excavate the site next summer to learn about the university’s first observatory.

The site was buried under ground for over a century and helps connect the school’s astronomical and archeological present with its past.

The discovery gives insight into how scientific observation, as well as life on Michigan State Universitys campus, has changed over the last 140-plus years.