ROLLA - The “man in the moon” will take center stage this fall at Missouri University of Science and Technology. The public is invited to view the moon through Missouri S & T’s 16-inch telescope on three evenings this fall.

The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, to view the moon on the first Visitors' Night of the semester. The sky must be clear for observing and the 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.

The observatory will offer two additional opportunities to view the skies this fall, at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Viewing is subject to weather conditions.

Built in 1973, the Missouri S&T Observatory is adjacent to the university's Stonehenge replica on Highway 63 North, north of V.H. McNutt Hall and west of St. Patrick's Lane. For more information contact Dr. John L. Schmitt, associate professor of physics at Missouri S&T, at 573-341-4369 or email jschmitt@mst.edu.