SHSU Physics & Astronomy

Hey ! This is Messier 78, a diiffuse reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It lies about 1300 light years away. The two bright stars in the middle light up the dust cloud revealing many clumps.

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A Brief History of the Farrington Science Building

The Farrington Science Building is a 51,000-square-foot facility located on the southeast corner of the quadrangle, nestled between the Estill and Marks Buildings.

In the early 20th century, science classes were initially held in the Austin College Building. By 1916, these classes moved to a newly constructed Science Building. However, as the chemistry and physics departments grew, the need for additional space led to the creation of the Farrington Building in the 1950s, at a cost of $2.5 million.

Astronomy courses, part of the Physics Department, have a long association with the building. Originally, a small observatory on Farrington’s roof served astronomy classes, but growing light pollution from the expanding city and campus rendered the rooftop telescope obsolete. In 1985, the observatory was relocated to the Country Campus, and in 1997, it moved again to a site near Highway 19 in Riverside. Farrington's planetarium, located in Room 102, continues to delight both students and the public with its star-gazing programs.

In addition to housing science classes, Farrington is home to the Reading Center and the Sam Houston Writing Center. The building also plays a unique role for the Bearkat Battalion, whose members use it as a training site for rappelling.

In 2002, the Board of Regents approved funding for renovations and a new addition to the building. Initially, renovations were limited to the first floor, but by early 2003, plans for the addition were redesigned into a standalone facility—the Chemistry & Forensic Sciences Building, located just south of Farrington. By 2004, funding was approved to expand renovations throughout the entire building, further enhancing its functionality and legacy.

The Farrington Pit, a sunken garden area, takes its name from its closeness to the building.