Science / Medicine : Celebration Planned for Galileo Craft
The spacecraft Galileo will fly by the Earth Saturday for a gravity boost toward its journey to Jupiter. The Planetary Society, in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will mark the day with an “exploration celebration” at Caltech.
Special events will include Galileo’s newest images of the moon and Earth, the latest information about Magellan’s discoveries at Venus and what to expect when Galileo reaches the Jovian system in 1995.
Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, Harlan Ellison and others will be featured on a panel discussing planetary and space exploration. Mission specialists, video programs and other information also will be available throughout the day.
The program will be held in the Beckman Auditorium on campus from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. (800) 423-8849.
HEALTH/MEDICINE
The problems of caring for an elderly parent will be discussed by UCLA School of Medicine faculty members in a program at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital Auditorium on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Reservations are suggested. (213) 206-3482.
The risks of prescription and over-the-counter drugs will be presented by a pharmacist and physician in a community education program at the Medical Center of North Hollywood on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Reservations are suggested. (818) 753-2483.
Breast Cancer Recovery Plus will have a special discussion session designed to encourage the spirits of breast cancer patients and their families during the holiday season on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Mercury Savings and Loan office in West Los Angeles. (213) 452-0200 or (213) 478-9463.
ASTRONOMY
“Star of Wonder” will be the Santa Monica College feature show on Friday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, at 8 p.m., after the weekly Night Sky Show at 7. (213) 452-9223.
The El Camino College Planetarium program will examine “The Christmas Star” on Friday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, at 8 p.m.. Tickets must be bought at the auditorium box office or by calling (213) 329-5345. For program information, call (213) 715-3200.
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society will host a star party to view the constellations from their mountaintop facility north of Los Angeles on Dec. 15. Participants should dress for extreme cold. (213) 926-4071.
Griffith Observatory Director Edwin C. Krupp will discuss the myths and rituals surrounding the Winter Solstice in a UCLA Extension class on Dec. 15. An optional field excursion is scheduled for Dec. 22. (213) 825-7093.
