The public is invited to view the Messier 3 star cluster through Missouri University of Science and Technology's 16-inch-diameter telescope March 22 at its observatory in Rolla.
The Missouri S&T Observatory will open its doors at 10:30 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.
Messier 3 is a globular cluster of stars located in the constellation Canes Venatici, also known as the Hunting Dogs. Messier 3 is one of the largest globular clusters in the sky and is approximately 33,900 light years from Earth. Messier 3 contains an estimated 500,000 stars.
This is the third viewing the observatory has held this year. The next viewing is scheduled for 9 p.m. April 9. All viewings are subject to weather conditions.
Built in 1973, the Missouri S&T Observatory is located at 1550 N. Bishop Ave., also known as Highway 63, and is adjacent to the university's Stonehenge replica, north of McNutt Hall and west of St. Patrick's Lane.
For more information, or to submit your email address to an event notification mailing list for future updates and weather cancellation notices, contact Missouri S&T graduate student Ken Goss at ken.goss@mst.edu.
(Editor's note: Information provided by Missouri S&T.)
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