Science / Medicine : SCIENCE CALENDAR : Mars Nearest Earth Since 1971

Mars will be closer to Earth this month than it has been since 1971 and will not be this close again until early in the next century. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the radio broadcast of Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” that frightened the world with a realistic-sounding Martian invasion.

Many planetariums are planning programs to explore the planet that has fascinated people for centuries:

* “Mars and the Martians” at the El Camino College Planetarium in Torrance Friday evenings through Sept. 30. Doors open at 7:45 p.m., no one admitted after 8:05. Call (213) 715-3200.

* The Santa Monica College Planetarium features the “Return of the Red Planet” Friday evenings at 8 p.m. Sept. 23 through Oct. 28. Preceded by a night sky show at 7. Call (213) 452-9223.

* “The Invasion of Mars” will be at the Griffith Observatory weekdays at 3 and 8 p.m., weekends at 3, 4:30 and 8 p.m. There will also be an exhibit on Martians as they have been depicted through the century. Call (213) 664-1191.

In addition, all planetariums will have telescope viewing after the programs, weather permitting.

ENTOMOLOGY

Charles Hogue, entomology curator at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, will present a class on “Cultural Entomology: Insects in Human Culture” Sept. 22 and 29, 7 to 9 p.m. at the museum. Call (213) 744-3342.

SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Caltech will begin its Saturday program for secondary school students Oct. 1. Classes in such areas as robotics, astronomy and numerics are planned. Prospective students are required to attend an orientation meeting Sept. 20. For information, call (818) 356-6207.

Children will learn about local fauna in “Urban Wildlife Myths” Sept. 25 at 3:15 p.m at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Call (213) 744-3335.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

The first Moorpark College faculty lecture will feature Clint Harper, one of the founders of the college’s laser/electro-optics technology program, who will discuss laser optics. Sept. 28, noon, in the Science Building on campus. Call (805) 378-1400.