SCIENCE FILE / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment
When describing Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, superlatives abound. It is: the largest national forest (17 million acres), the most extensive single concentration of virgin forest left in existence, home to a glacier larger than Rhode Island, old-growth stands of hemlock, cedar and Sitka spruce up to 5,000 years old, and North America’s highest concentration of grizzly bears, according to the museum. It also is a focal point for controversy between timber interests and environmentalists over logging practices such as clear-cutting.
An exhibition of photographs detailing the lush land and abundant wildlife of the Tongass will be on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County through March 31. Call (213) 744-DINO.
ASTRONOMY
Supermassive black holes, international cooperation in space exploration and other cutting edge astronomical issues will be discussed by researchers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Carnegie Observatories and the Planetary Society at a one-day course offered by UCLA Extension on Saturday. Call (310) 825-7093.
A special program marking the telescope’s 400th anniversary, “From Spyglass to Space Telescope,” will be the featured astronomy show at Santa Monica College in Room 1 of the Science Village on Friday and Feb. 16 at 8 p.m., after the Night Sky Show at 7. Call (310) 452-9396.
HEALTH/MEDICINE
Television personality Art Linkletter and health correspondent Dr. Art Ulene will be the featured speakers at a program promoting better health for senior citizens emphasizing nutrition and fitness sponsored by the UCLA Center on Aging Feb. 27 at the Olympic Collection in West Los Angeles. Reservations are required by Feb. 19. Call (310) 794-0676.
SCIENCE FOR KIDS
The Children’s Museum at La Habra will have several noon health and science workshops for children in February, including “Brushing the Ivories,” Feb. 10, “Let’s Visit the Doctor,” Feb. 17, and “Life Under the Microscope,” Feb. 24. Call (310) 905-9793.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Sea Club for fifth- through seventh-graders will begin Feb. 13 and continue for four weekly sessions. Students will explore beach, marsh and shore ecology, and examine specimens in the lab. Call (310) 548-7562, Ext. 7017.
The California Museum of Science and Industry’s Science Workshops for young people ages 5 to 13 will feature classes that delve into the science of amusement park rides, such as the gravity of roller coasters, Feb. 3-4, 17-18. The museum’s popular robot class for students 8 to 13 will be held Feb. 4 and 17. Call (213) 744-7440.
MARINE SCIENCE
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is offering interested participants of all ages the opportunity to take part in a floating lab experience aboard the marine vessel Magician to explore Southern California’s coastal environment Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Call (310) 548-7562, Ext. 7017.
The annual Dana Point Festival of Whales will kick off its silver anniversary celebration Feb. 17 to mark the annual migration of California gray whales. Exhibits, films, demonstrations and, of course, whale watching are among the activities scheduled for the festival that will run through March 3. Call (800) 290-DANA.
ENVIRONMENT
“The Natural History of the San Jacinto Mountains” will be the topic of a one-day symposium at the Palm Springs Desert Museum to be held in conjunction with the exhibit “San Jacinto: The Steepest Peak,” on Feb. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Annenberg Theater. Call (619) 325-7186.
