ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING

Good news for galaxy gazers! All are invited to a free astronomy program at 7 p.m. Saturday at Explorit Science Center’s Mace Park Branch, 3141 Fifth St. in Davis. There will be an indoor session followed by stargazing outdoors, weather permitting.

The center has sponsored the Davis Astronomy Club at Explorit since 1987, encouraging everyone with a curious mind to look upward. Club meetings, such as the one on Saturday, are informative and enjoyable evenings for all ages.

The club has no membership fees dues or obligations and welcomes people of all experience levels. Members range from preschoolers to retired enthusiasts. Knowledge ranges from elementary to doctorate level. The trait that unites club members is a love for astronomy and a passion for learning.

On the agenda for Saturday’s meeting is a discussion of holiday gift buying. Club leaders will go over some of the do’s and don’ts of purchasing telescopes, binoculars or other stargazing accessories. These make great gifts for anybody looking to get into astronomy or delve deeper into the hobby. Getting sound consumer information before making a purchase is wise; otherwise, the shopping experience can be an overwhelming.

Also on the agenda for Saturday’s meeting is a roundtable discussion on some of the best places to point a telescope during the fall and winter seasons. In addition, club leaders will also lead a discussion on how various accessories can make star gazing a fun, rewarding, and educational backyard hobby.

Once the indoor portion of the meeting is adjourned, members will move outside (weather permitting) to look to the stars and put their knowledge into action. Longtime club members, including leaders Vinita and Calvin Domier, provide telescopes for all to take turns peering at celestial bodies.

The astronomy club meets once every month or two. Explorit manages an email list to inform astronomy buffs of meetings as well as occasional space-related programs at the science center or elsewhere in the Sacramento area. To subscribe, visit www.explorit.org/astronomy.html and click on Club Mailing List.

One other benefit of attending astronomy club programs: They’re a great way for people to meet others with similar interests. Club members can help each other with problems they may be having with their telescopes. Also, the programs are an easy way to enjoy the wonders of the sky without investing in costly equipment – and without the intimidating intricacies of owning a telescope.

Mars will be making its closest trip to Earth of the year on Dec. 18, so now is an ideal time for anybody interested in planetary bodies to come and enjoy all the astronomy club has to offer.

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Explorit Science Center’s current exhibit, “Field to Fridge to Fork: Following Food,” runs until Feb. 18. Admission is $4 general, free for teachers and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public from 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Explorit is at 2801 Second Street, Davis. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org.