April is proving to be a big...

April is proving to be a big month for science-related events: Comet Hyakutake, wildflowers blooming and the 26th anniversary of Earth Day all are on tap this month. A sampling of the events being offered around town:

Astronomy

* The big news is Comet Hyakutake, the brightest comet to appear in 20 years, according to the Griffith Observatory, which has become “Comet Central” for the event. The multimedia planetarium program “Comet Fever,” playing Tuesdays through Thursdays, gives information on how to find and observe Hyakutake and information on comets in general. There will also be comet viewing provided seven nights a week until the comet disappears in late April. Call (213) 664-1191.

The observatory’s Sky Report has also been transformed into a “Comet Hotline” with recorded information on Hyakutake. Call (213) 663-8171.

* The exotic and violent volcanoes found in the solar system, from Mauna Kea in Hawaii to the liquid nitrogen geysers of Triton, the largest of Neptune’s moons, will be the focus of a Santa Monica College astronomy program April 12 and 19 in Room 1 of the Science Village. Programs are at 8 p.m. after the “Night Sky Show” at 7. Call (310) 452-9396.

Environment/Ecology

* Ranger Trude Hurde will discuss the flora and fauna of Orange County’s San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary at themonthly meeting of the WhittierAudubon Society, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Whittier Community Center. Call (310) 869-8420.

* The Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley will host its annual spring celebration with volunteer-led walks through the wildflowers of the foundation’s Flower Hill, weekends at 10 a.m. through May 14. Tours of Flower Hill and exhibits will highlight Poppy Day on Saturday. Call (818) 768-1802.

Information on the best wildflower viewing can be found through the foundation’s wildflower hotline at (818) 768-3533.

* The Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena will celebrate Earth Day with cultural demonstrations about California Native Americans, a docent-led nature walk and other activities April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (818) 398-5420.

* Friends of Madrona Marsh will sponsor nature walks April 27 and 28 at 10 a.m. and a marsh restoration project April 13 at 9 a.m. To mark Earth Day, members of the group will lead a walk April 22 at 4 p.m. Call (310) 32MARSH.

* The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will have an Earth Day fair April 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring hands-on activities for all ages, a coastline “spring cleaning” and exhibits and demonstrations by local organizations throughout the day. Call (310) 548-7562.