Desert Wildflowers

Sounds like views are peaking in the area just south of Joshua Tree National Park. The Theodore Payne wildflower hotline report for last week is here. A few hot days like yesterday and today and that'll dry things up pretty quick, so this weekend is probably prime viewing. I may try to get out there early next week, combining some astronomy at night with wildflower viewing in the day.

April 2011 "Sidewalk" Events (REVISED)

Saturday, April 9: Regular sidewalk observing in Monrovia (Mytle and Lime).

Sunday, April 10: Duarte Museum, 777 Encanto Pkwy, Duarte 91010: Chamber of Commerce Potluck and "Star Night." Telescope viewing following Chamber potluck.

Friday, April 15: Regular sidewalk date for Pasadena (Colorado Blvd, near DeLacey). See Old Town Astronomers for more information.

Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23: Mojave National Preserve star party with Mojave Preserve Conservancy, Black Canyon Group/Equestrian campground, across the road from Hole in the Wall. Officially, it's a private event, but unofficially, if you show up and mind your lights, you're welcome to join the the after-dark viewing. Springtime is galaxy season.

Jupiter and Mercury

I posted something on my hiking blog about the current chance (for the next few days) to see Jupiter and Mercury, shortly after sunset.

It's not often that Mercury presents itself so well in the evening sky. Don't miss out! :D

Monrovia Clouded Out

Sorry to say there have been persistent clouds in the San Gabriel Valley all day, so tonight's sidewalk astronomy event in Monrovia has been cancelled.

Be looking us next month in Duarte and Monrovia. I'll post later with specific dates and times.

Sidewalk Astronomy in Monrovia, Saturday, March 12

I don't know if I'll make this one, myself, but the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers will be in Monrovia tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, 2011. Typically, they'll be there from dusk to around 9pm. This is at the corner of Myrtle and Lime.

I had an event today at St. Mark's in Hacienda Heights. This is the third year in a row for me there. They're a great group and I love doing outreach there. But now I'm pretty beat. I had a job interview in Ventura this afternoon, which meant a long drive before getting back just with just enough time to pack the car, take a shower, then rest up for about 30 minutes before heading out, again.

I have another outreach event on Monday in La Canada, but that, one the St. Mark's thing, was a private event.

The next public event should be in Duarte in April. I'll post more when I get more details.