Kelseyville >> Always a popular and intriquing topic, near earth objects are the subject of the March Window to the Universe event at the Taylor Observatory. On Saturday, Taylor docent and former teacher Janis Traub will address the important question “How Safe Are We?”
In addition, observatory guests will experience the premier showing of the observatory’s full-dome planetarium show “Firefall,” highlighting dramatic past impact events, some of which changed the course of Earth’s history. There will be two showings of Firefall, one at 7:15 p.m. and a second at 9 p.m. following Traub’s talk.
Near earth objects are a hot political topic currently as the U.S. Congress debates the funding for programs addressing the country’s rapidly escalating awareness of the number and diversity of objects on potential collision course with planet earth. The Firefall full-dome show presents a stunning look at the many dimensions of this fascinating topic. Friends of Taylor-Norton thank the Charles Nieman Trust for providing funds to purchase Firefall.
If skies are clear on Saturday visitors to the observatory will have excellent views of the half-illuminated moon, which is well positioned for observation in the Taylor’s 16-inch telescope. In addition we’ll search for Jupiter’s moon Europa as transits across the surface of the planet.
Admission for the talk, planetarium show and night sky viewing through the Taylor telescopes is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and free to observatory members.
The location is 5725 Oak Hills Lane in Kelseyville. For further information visit www.taylorobservatory.org or call 262-4121. Friends of Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium organizes the Taylor Lecture series. More information is at www.friendsoftaylor.org/ or on Facebook at Friends of Taylor Observatory.
