The public is invited to view Jupiter and the moon through Missouri University of Science and Technology’s 16-inch telescope on Friday, Jan. 27. The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 7 p.m. The sky must be clear for observing and session length will vary.

The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter has four large moons, dozens of smaller moons and an enormous magnetic field, which forms a kind of miniature solar system. It’s also the fourth brightest object in the sky.

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

Two additional visitors’ nights will be offered this spring. If skies are cloudless, the moon and Jupiter will be viewed beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, and Venus and Mars will be viewed beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, April 20.

Built in 1973, the Missouri S&T Observatory is located at 1550 N. Bishop Ave. (Highway 63 North), adjacent to the university’s Stonehenge replica, 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.