The public is invited to view Messier object 4, a globular cluster near the Scorpio constellation, through Missouri University of Science and Technology’s 16-inch telescope on Monday, Aug. 22.

The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 9:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22. The sky must be clear for observing and session length will vary.

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. All visitors must be able to ascend a short set of stairs in order to view the object through the telescope.

Messier object 4 is sometimes referred to as the Cat’s Eye cluster because of the bright band of stars that bisect its core. It is approximately 7,200 light-years from Earth.

Two other viewings are planned for the observatory this fall. On Sept. 12, visitors can see the moon in detail, including the shadows that stretch around crater rims and continue across the landscape. On Nov. 14, visitors can view Mars, the red planet.

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 McNutt Hall and west of St. Patrick’s Lane.

For more information, or to have your email address added to an event notification mailing list for future updates and weather cancellation notices, contact Ken Goss by email at ken.goss@mst.edu.