By Lookout Staff

October 21, 2024 -- Stargazers can prepare to look at the sky with different eyes at two featured shows at the Santa Monica College (SMC) planetarium next month.

The John Drescher Planetarium will also take a close look the robotic craft exploring Mars and introduce quantum physics to those with almost no math background.

The free, live virtual shows take place Fridays at 8 p.m. and are preceded by a streamlined, virtual digest of the popular Night Sky Show at 7 p.m. that offers the latest news in astronomy and space exploration.

Next month's line up kicks off Friday, November 1 when planetarium lecturer Sarah Vincent focuses on constellations and offers tips for finding them "through LA’s light-polluted skies."

The show will highlight some of the 88 official constellations and "several sub-patterns called asterisms" recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

"Humans love to find patterns in randomness, and the stars are no exception," event organizers said.

On Friday, November 8 planetarium lecturer James Mahon will direct guests to the LA region's best spots for stargazing.

"Dark skies can be hard to find in Los Angeles, so catching astronomical events like meteor showers can be difficult," organizers said.

"However, with a little prep, decently dark skies can be found within a few hours’ drive."

Next month's lineup continues when Vincent presents “Mars Update,” a look at the Red Planet’s robotic explorers.

"Perseverance and Curiosity are still going strong, and so is the fleet of orbiters monitoring Mars from above," event organizers said.

The November shows conclude Friday, November 22 with “Quantum Physics: A Mostly Math-free Intro” presented by Vincent, which "takes a look at the quantum behaviors that underlie the familiar universe."

Planetarium lecturers are currently using the Zoom platform to present shows while SMC’s new planetarium and observatory are under construction.

To attend the virtual shows, the Zoom software must be installed on the viewer’s computer. A free download is available at zoom.com.

"The shows include the chance to chat with the planetarium lecturers and ask questions related to astronomy and space exploration," planetarium officials said.

More information is available online at smc.edu/planetarium or by calling 310-434-3005. Shows are subject to change or cancellation without notice.