The public is invited to observe the two planets closest to the sun — Mercury and Venus — during the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Observatory’s Public Viewing night. The free viewing begins at 8 p m. Thursday in the observatory of the third floor of Hill Hall, located east of the Memorial Student Union Building.

Parking is available in the lot next to Jones Auditorium and Manning Hall on the corner of Santa Gertrudis and Armstrong, and along Santa Gertrudis. The viewing will focus on the close positions of Mercury and Venus and other objects present in the spring night sky.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, there will be a program presented downstairs in Hill Hall and a tour of the university’s 16-inch telescope.

For more information, contact Charles Allison at 361-593- 2622 or at charles.allison@tamuk.edu.