AROUND HOME : Viewing the Winter Sky

THE SOUTHERN California winter skies are a sight to behold with the advent of both the solstice and Christmas. The solstice occurs by day, on Dec. 21 at 1:22 p.m., when the sun reaches 23 degrees-27 minutes on the path it follows across our sky, heralding the beginning of longer days. But there is also much to see by night.

The star of Bethlehem, much a part of Christmas tradition, is believed by astronomers to have actually been composed of two planets. “It appears that the star was a series of conjunctions (the planets appear to be close together) between Jupiter and Venus that occurred in 2 and 3 BC,” says John Mosley, program supervisor at the Griffith Observatory. “This is the sort of celestial event that would have been of significance to the Magi, who were astrologer-astronomers.”

These same two planets are currently decorating our skies. Jupiter is so bright this time of year that it is often taken for a UFO as it rises almost concurrently with the setting of the sun. In December, one or more of the 10 moons of Jupiter are also visible through ordinary binoculars (if held very steady), resembling tiny pinpoint stars. It joins that other winter sparkler, Venus, visible in the Southwest even in the afternoon if you know where to look. Even if you don’t, on a clear night, you can’t miss it.

The moon doesn’t rise until about 4 a.m. Christmas week, making it easier to view the heavens. The best place to go star gazing is, of course, anywhere dark and away from city lights. Because such places are becoming fewer and farther between, Tom Dorff, president of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, suggests: “Anyone interested in astronomy, whether they have knowledge of the equipment or not, should contact us.” The society has a weekly open house Wednesday evenings in the small observatory they operate for the City of Monterey Park in Garvey Ranch Park. They also have visitor-friendly activities including a monthly star party, weather permitting, at their club-owned viewing site of Lockwood Valley near the city of Frazier Park. There are many other astronomical clubs in Southern California and since they are not usually listed in telephone directories, the Los Angeles society will direct you to one near you. The phone number is (213) 926-4071.

For a look at the skies as they appeared during the birth of Christ, the Christmas show at Griffith Park Planetarium runs daily from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1.