The public is invited to view Mars through Missouri S&T’s 16-inch-diameter telescope on Thursday, Sept. 27.

The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 8:30 p.m. for the viewing. The sky must be clear for observing, and the session length will vary.

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is the second-smallest planet in our solar system. Named after the Roman god of war, its red appearance is due to large amounts of iron oxide on its surface. This year, the planet has been closest to Earth since 2003. It will not be as near to Earth again until 2035.

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

This is the third viewing of the S&T semester. The next viewing will be held at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.

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 Amanda Wetzel by email at asw7v3@mst.edu.