Hi everyone, it's that time again - we'll have telescopes out at the usual spots in Pasadena and Monrovia this weekend. But step out tonight at sunset if you can for a gorgeous view of my favorite planet, Saturn, near the equally gorgeous crescent moon. I hope to see some of you on the weekend. After June, Saturn will not be visible from our sidewalk events for quite a while, so get your viewing in soon. Jane For Wednesday March 31: Look up in the western sky tonight after sunset and you'll have a ring-side view of Saturn near the crescent moon. No telescope required.This article shows a nice chart for tonight, but it is also useful for the weekend viewing too, scroll down to the charts. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/30may_starsandplanets.htm?list55774 For the weekend: This weekend, look up and view planets and the moon from your backyard without a telescope. Mars and Saturn draw closer to each other each night. These two planets are to the lower right of the moon Friday the 2nd. Meanwhile near the horizon, try to spot Mercury low in the west-northwest 5 degrees above the horizon after sunset. If you don't see it, don't worry, it will be a little higher in June. Meanwhile, Jupiter reigns all alone over the southern sky - you can't miss it - it's the brightest "star" in the sky. Use this star chart [link http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance/article_110_1.asp ] for guidance. For telescope viewing this weekend, dust off that 'scope in the closet for a tour of the solar system, or join one of these groups for some moon and planet viewing. Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers http://www.otastro.org/ Friday, June 2, 7:30 p.m. 'til 10:00 p.m., Colorado near Delacey - Pasadena Ave., Old Town Pasadena Saturday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. 'til 9:30 p.m., Myrtle & Lime,Old Town Monrovia Griffith Park Observatory Satellite (telescopes courtesy of Los Angeles Amateur Astronomers and LA Sidewalk Astronomers) http://www.griffithobs.org/Special.html Satuday June 3 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mount Wilson Observatory Association lists events all over Southern California, scroll down for "Star Parties and Telescopes" for more viewing events: http://www.mwoa.org/events.htm -- Jane Houston Jones Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205 Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435 jane.h.jones@jpl.nasa.gov Cassini Saturn Observation Campaign http://soc.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm