The public is invited to view Mars through Missouri S&T’s 16-inch-diameter telescope on Friday, Feb. 8.

The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 6:30 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 they must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees should dress warmly as the forecast predicts temperatures in the 20s, and the observatory has only a small heater.

Observers will be able to see the red planet and possibly view one of its polar ice caps. The viewing should also allow observers to see two of Mars’ moons. Mars is the fourth planet from the sun and the second-smallest planet in the solar system after Mercury.

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.