The public is invited to view the star Betelgeuse through Missouri S&T’s 16-inch-diameter telescope on Tuesday, March 12.

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

Betelgeuse is the ninth-brightest star in the sky and the second-brightest star in the constellation of Orion. It is classified as a red supergiant and is an isolated star, meaning that it does not have a solar system of its own. Betelgeuse is approximately 700 times the size of the sun and is more than 600 light years away from Earth.

Those who attend the event should dress appropriately for the weather, as there is only one small heater in the observatory.

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.