The building was erected in 1930. It was originally named the Engineering Hall but was changed to the South Physics Building in 1966. In 1967, an observatory dome was built on its roof. This dome now resides in the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex.
In 2001, the South Physics Observatory added a new observatory dome and was updated with new equipment through a donation from the Willard L. Eccles Foundation. Until recently, the South Physics Building was the center for many physics labs that are required for multiple majors on campus.
Currently, the South Physics Building is the home of the South Physics Observatory and AstronUmers headquarters. The Observatory normally holds weekly Star Parties with their multiple telescopes, and the outreach group AstronUmers uses this observatory to provide physics and astronomy demonstrations to students from across the state. It also contains multiple research labs, offices, a physics graduate student lounge, and a large computer lab.
The Star Parties program at the South Physics Observatory is a super fun activity to do with friends or a date. The astronomers allow you to look into the telescopes, ask as many questions as you want and they take suggestions of objects to look at. Definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have at the U!
Even if Star Parties aren’t being held, the South Physics Observatory still does outreach through Facebook Live, lectures, and other fun astronomy posts! Check them out here.