Stargazers take note: MCC will offer a free program, “The Secrets of Orion,” Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the McCain Theater.

     Edwin Faughn of Rainwater Observatory will present the lecture, which is underwritten by MCC and the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. Admission is open to the college and community.

     “The Secrets of Orion” explores one of the most beautiful and recognizable constellations in the winter night sky. Filled with mystery, legend and a wealth of scientific discovery it has been recorded by many ancient cultures and is even mentioned in the Bible. This informative presentation will take audience members on a journey through this majestic constellation and reveal some of the most breathtaking imagery and astounding discoveries ever recorded in human history.

     Faughn is also an artist and lecturer specializing in space sciences and has presented hundreds of presentations to universities, museums, science centers, schools, churches and civic organizations.

     His original artwork has been featured in and on the covers of numerous international space science magazines, exhibitions and planetarium productions. A few of his credits include Scientific American, Federal Express World Headquarters and the world premiere of Titanic: The Exhibition. He also served nearly 20 years as the art director for the Sharpe Planetarium of the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis. His work is now featured on the main Kepler website of NASA’s Ames Research Center.