Jim Gavio, director of the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend, will discuss the moons in our solar system, including Europa, Titan and Ganymede, during an Open House Night in Astronomy on Oct. 5. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the planetarium, is open to the public at no charge.

Gavio will discuss how the Earth’s moon and others across the solar system formed. He will also highlight features of the moons’ surfaces and will explain how the moons influence tides and other planetary features.

Astronomical observing at the Mehalso Observatory will follow the program, weather permitting.

Open House Nights in Astronomy are an outreach program of the School of Science at Penn State Behrend. These scientific presentations are intended for ages 8 and up; for additional information, contact the school at 814-898-6105.