Star-Studded Show

The Moorpark College Observatory provides an ideal vantage point Saturday to view the heavens, which are scheduled to light up from a series of fiery meteor showers streaking the sky throughout the evening.

“The meteor Persied happens every year, and its peak is in August at this time,” Moorpark College astronomy instructor Hal Jandorf said.

Jandorf will lecture at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the observatory, discussing the origins and causes of meteors and comets, accompanied by a slide show presentation.

“Last year, we were there till about 2 in the morning watching Persied shoot spectacularly across the sky,” Jandorf said.

A dozen telescopes will be set up for participants to view the meteor and other celestial bodies. The observatory’s powerful Celestron 14-inch diameter telescope will also be available. Of particular interest to sky gazers is Comet Levy, which was discovered in May.

Three lectures will be conducted Saturday night--two at 8:30 and another at 9:15--to handle an anticipated crowd of 500. Members of the Astronomical Society will take part in the discussions.

Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and binoculars. There is a $3 charge. The college observatory is at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. For information, call 378-1408.