Mars is getting closer to earth, looking brighter and redder in the night sky – something that happens every two years.
People will have a chance for even a better view when The Discovery Center at Ridgefield and the New Pond Farm Observatory hold a astronomy night on Saturday, April 5 at the New Pond Farm Observatory at 101 Marchant Rd., West Redding, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Jupiter with its cloud bands, red spot and bright moons will be observed, along with the Orion nebulae and star clusters. There will be dramatic views of the craters, plains and mountains of the moon and various late winter and spring constellations will be pointed out and discussed.
Participants should dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the walk from the parking area to the observatory, and binoculars, if you have them. The observatory has a wooden deck to stand on and an adjacent heated building to warm up in. The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required. Visit the Discovery Center website to register (http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/) or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the website after 3:30 PM for program status.