Archaeological Discovery Made by MSU on Its Own Campus

In a surprising turn of events, Michigan State University discovered the remains of an observatory dating back to 1881 while attempting to install hammock poles near a dormitory. The construction crew stumbled upon a hard surface, prompting the university to investigate further. Upon reviewing old records, it was revealed that an astronomy observatory had once stood in the same area. The structure was eventually demolished, but now it presents an exciting opportunity for archaeology enthusiasts.

PhD student and campus archaeologist, Ben Akey, led a team of students in a survey of the site. After weeks of unsuccessful attempts, they finally uncovered remnants of the observatory’s foundation on the last day of the dig. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough, as it will provide MSU undergraduates with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in archaeology. Typically, students face challenges and expenses when seeking archaeological fieldwork abroad, but having an excavation site on campus eliminates these obstacles.

Ground-penetrating radar surveys confirm that most of the foundation remains intact. Professor Rolla Carpenter was responsible for the construction of the observatory, which was prompted by the university’s acquisition of its first telescope. Prior to its existence, students observed the sky from the roof of a campus building. Another observatory, built in 1969, is still utilized by current students. This unexpected discovery adds to the list of fascinating findings at Michigan State University.