The public is invited to view the moon through Missouri S&T’s 16-inch-diameter telescope on Monday, April 23. All viewings are subject to weather conditions.

The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 9:30 p.m. for the viewing. The sky must be clear for observing, and the session length will vary.

Viewings at the observatory are free of charge and no reservations are required. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

The moon is the Earth’s only natural satellite. It was formed 4.6 billion years ago around 30–50 million years after the formation of the solar system. The moon is in synchronous rotation with Earth, meaning the same side is always facing the Earth.

This is the fifth viewing of the semester. The sixth and final viewing will be held at 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 9.

Built in 1973, the Missouri S&T Observatory is located at 1550 N. Bishop Ave. (Highway 63), 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 Missouri S&T graduate student Ken Goss by email at ken.goss@mst.edu.