The public is invited to view the moon and the Orion Nebula through Missouri S&T’s 16-inch telescope on Friday, Jan. 22. Weather permitting, the Observatory will open its doors at 7 p.m.

A nebula is an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen gas, helium gas and plasma. The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest nebulae and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky. It is one of the most intensely studied celestial features and has revealed much about how stars and planetary systems are formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust.

Visitors’ Night at the Observatory is free of charge and no reservations are required. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

The observatory will offer two additional opportunities to view the skies this spring, at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, and at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 23. 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 573-341-4369 or email jschmitt@mst.edu.