Jupiter and Venus Will Put on Show

Sky-watchers in the Los Angeles area will be treated to an astronomical event Saturday evening when the two brightest planets, Jupiter and Venus, will come very close together in the western sky.

Venus has been moving closer to Jupiter, which is visible low in the West after sunset. On Saturday, the two planets will be separated by only one-third of a degree, or about one-half the diameter of the moon, according to Griffith Observatory officials.

The best time to view this event is 20 to 30 minutes after sunset, which will be at 7:31. It is important to have an unobstructed view of the western horizon because the planets will be low in the sky.

Venus, the brighter of the planets, has a white color in contrast to Jupiter’s yellowish hue. Binoculars will enhance the view.

Griffith Observatory will be open, with additional telescopes for public viewing provided by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers.

The Observatory Sky Report has more information on astronomical events. Call (213) 663-8171. For observatory program information call (213) 664-1191.

ASTRONOMY

Other astronomical events are going on as well, including the Moorpark College Astronomy show, “The Milky Way: Our Own Galaxy.” Instructors Dennis Leatart and Hal Jandorf will give an introduction to the outer reaches of the galaxy, star clusters and star formation regions (nebulae) at the Charles Temple Observatory on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Call (805) 378-1408.

ENVIRONMENT

The native and exotic plant and wildlife of the Santa Monica Mountains will be the subject of an extended nature walk offered by the Friends of Soka University on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Calabasas campus. Reservations are advised, call (818) 880-4649.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Specialists from Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles will share their experience and expertise with children ages 5 and older in workshops at the Kidspace Museum on Thursday at 2 and 3 p.m. Call (818) 449-9144.

MARINE SCIENCE

The Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, in conjunction with Santa Barbara City College, continues to offer educational excursions to various locations within the 1,252-square-nautical-mile sanctuary. The next trip is Aug. 30. Call the Sea Landing for reservations at (805) 963-3564. For program information call the sanctuary at (805) 966-7107.