Science Calendar
Caltech’s fourth annual Media and Science Symposium, “The 21st Century: The Multimedia Age,” will feature prominent journalists and scientists in a discussion about the relevance of traditional media in the face of emerging new media. David Gergen, U.S. News editor-at-large and former presidential advisor, will be the keynote speaker. May 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ramo Auditorium. (818) 395-3227.
ASTRONOMY, SPACE SCIENCE
Comet Hale-Bopp is still bright in the northwest evening sky about an hour after sunset, but will soon be too low to view. The Griffith Observatory’s live planetarium show, “Comet Watch,” continues through May 4. There is also nightly comet viewing, except on Mondays, using the observatory’s telescope and those set up by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the L.A. Sidewalk Astronomers. (213) 664-1191 or the Sky Report at (213) 663-8171.
“Bringing the Benefits of Space Technology to Earth: An Exploration of New JPL Instruments and Robotics” is the subject of the vonKarman Lecture at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the vonKarman Auditorium May 15 at 7 p.m. (818) 354-5011.
The Santa Monica College astronomy program will focus on prehistoric Earth on May 2, 9 and 16. On May 30, “Observing Earth from Space” will be the subject. All shows are held in Room 1 of the Science Village at 8 p.m. following the Night Sky Show at 7. (310) 452-9396.
A full-scale mock-up of the U.S. living quarters and laboratory of the International Space Station will visit the Griffith Observatory on May 3 and 4 from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. (213) 664-1191.
ENVIRONMENT
The ongoing restoration of the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes will be discussed at the California Native Plant Society meeting May 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kenter Canyon Elementary School. (310) 399-8993.
The Whittier Audubon Society will conduct a Backyard Nature Tour of the Whittier Wilderness Park, Whittier Narrows Nature Center and other areas on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. (562) 699-2021.
SCIENCE FOR FAMILIES
“Cats! Wild to Mild,” explores the world of cats, from domesticated to endangered, at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County through Sept 1. Events for children include “Fabulous Felines” on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m., and a family fun day on May 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Adult programs on cats in ancient Egypt and the saber-toothed cat will be held May 10 and May 24. General information: (213) 763-DINO; program information: (213) 763-3534.
Nature walks, bird classes and “tyke hikes” are some of the activities scheduled for May by the Friends of the Madrona Marsh. A tyke hike will be held May 1 at 10 a.m. (310) 32 MARSH.
