There will be telescopes out at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets tonight from sundown until about 9-9:30 p.m. depending on the crowds and the astronomers.  So stop by for a great view of the moon, a last look at Jupiter until late fall, and maybe a peek at Saturn rising above the  buildings. It should be a good night - the clear sky chart looks great! http://cleardarksky.com/c/MnrviaCAkey.html?1

Mojo and I are in Florida visiting family.  We're planning to be with sidewalk astronomers here at Lakewood Ranch, near Sarasota, FL.  But the clear sky chart indicates otherwise tho' (all those white squares indicate nothing but clouds and probably rain too) http://cleardarksky.com/c/HRHObFLkey.html?1

Here's a monthly recap of astronomical doings all year. http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/

Here's our next dark sky public star party info. May 11 at Mojave National Preserve, Black Canyon Campground. There is free camping but RSPV is required as camping space is limited. RSVP with David Lamfrom at dlamfrom@npca.org or 760-219-4916 More info here:  http://mojavepreserve.org/index.php/site/article/star_party_in_the_mojave_national_preserve_may2013

And if you are contemplating a getaway to Yosemite this summer, nearly every weekend (except full moon weekend) from July 4 through Labor Day there is an astronomy club doing a public star party at Glacier Point both Friday and Saturday nights -- as shown in this beautiful video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhgR3zVfo-0&feature=youtu.be.  The Northern California Astronomy Cubs choose their first, second and third choices for a weekend slot in a lottery.  The club we always go with was granted August 22-23.  Moon rises fairly early, so it is not the clubs first choice.  But there will be dark skies for a few hours, a gorgeous view of Saturn, then moonrise near Half Dome through club members telescopes.

Special announcement :-(  Due to budget restrictions, plans for a JPL Open House in spring 2013 have been suspended. If budget considerations improve, JPL hopes to host an Open House at a future date, perhaps as early as fall 2013. Please check back here for updates --> http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm


-- 
Jane Houston Jones
Monrovia, CA
What's Up Podcast for April: Saturn's rings delight!
On Youtube: http://youtu.be/kdCYwyq3kes
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro
My Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/
Yosemite Video http://www.youtube.com/user/yosemitenationalpark?feature=watch