Space Science Center ranked among best college observatories

Morehead State University’s Space Science Center was recently ranked as one of the best college observatories in the nation by collegerank.net.

The Space Science Center was named as one of the top 35 best college observatories by the college ranking website. Collegerank.net used a number of criteria to evaluate observatories, including:

• The number, size and technology of telescopes available
• Altitude: Higher altitudes result in a reduction in atmospheric noise
• The average chance of clear skies
• The level of light pollution

The MSU Space Science Center features a 21-meter Space Tracking Antenna, which allows students to monitor and track satellites from the center’s Ground Control Center. There are also opportunities to be involved in astronomical and astrophysical research with faculty members. Students in the space science program are involved in the planning, design, construction, launch, tracking and monitoring of nanosats, which are smaller than a bread box. Projects have been completed for NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense and private aerospace firms. MSU’s program provides valuable real-world experience allows students to work with space scientists all over the world.

MSU offers one of only five space science undergraduate programs in the country. We also offer a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics and a master’s degree in space systems engineering.

To learn more about the Space Science Center and space science programs, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/eass.