Before the rains, see Mars, Saturn and more
It looks like the clouds and rain that are bearing down on the region may hold off long enough to allow stargazers to enjoy at least one night under a clear sky this weekend.
If so, you'll want to head for the Community College of Baltimore County's Dundalk campus tonight (Friday) for the free public viewing. Telescopes will be out so that visitors can get a close-up look at the Orion Nebula, the moon, double stars and the planets Mars, Saturn and Venus if 
things go well.
Be sure to bring the kids. Their first view of Saturn and its rings could inspire them to pursue a career in astronomy, physics, math or science. Or they could take the easy way out and become a science writer. You'll get a thrill, too.
The event starts at 9 p.m. Call 410 282-3092 after 7 p.m. for any last-minute information about weather. Click here for directions.
The event at the Dundalk campus is the first of three for stargazers this weekend. At 10 a.m. Saturday there will be a planetarium show, "The Little Comet," at the CCBC's Catonsville campus's Banneker Planetarium. Click here for directions.
On Saturday, at 8:30 p.m., there will be another opportunity to stargaze with CCBC telescopes. It's planned for a spot near the baseball field at the Catonsville campus. But the weather forecast for Saturday evening is not promising. Call 443 851-0364 after 7 p.m. to check for cancellations before you go.
(SUN PHOTO/Larry C. Price, 1998)
Comments
I couldn't find a better place to post this, but...on Saturday (April 24) I saw what looked to be a really dramatic meteorite in Baltimore city! I don't know what time, maybe around midnight. I can't find anything about it on the web or in the 'sky watching' category here - can you suggest anything for more info? Thanks.
FR: It's a meteor until it hits the ground. For more reports, check the American Meteor Society's 2010 fireball log: http://bit.ly/aNhPuw
Posted by: TD | April 28, 2010 1:29 PM