The public will have an opportunity to view Saturn and the moon after sunset on Friday, April 3, at Visitors’ Night at Missouri S&T’s Observatory. Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and is the second largest in the solar system. Its ring system makes the planet one of the most beautiful objects in the solar system, and a favorite of sky watchers.

Weather permitting, the Observatory will open its doors at 8 p.m. to view the sky through the university’s 16-inch telescope. Visitors’ Nights at the Observatory are free of charge and no reservations are required.

The observatory will offer an additional opportunity to view Saturn and the moon at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Viewing is subject to weather conditions.

Built in 1973, the Missouri S&T Observatory is adjacent to the university’s Stonehenge replica on Highway 63 North, north of V.H. McNutt Hall and west of St. Patrick’s Lane. For more information contact Dr. John L. Schmitt, associate professor of physics at Missouri S&T, at 341-4369 or email jschmitt@mst.edu.