Planets On Parade

SOUTHBURY — A magnificent display will be visible in the heavens in mid-March, and the Audubon Center at Bent of the River invites anyone interested to view the spectacle on Friday, March 12. The evening will be co-sponsored by the Astronomical Society of New Haven.

Participants will meet at Bent of the River Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, and then carpool to Grassy Hill in Woodbury.

Viewers are in for a rare treat. Jupiter will be close to the opposite side of the sun, which means it will be about at its brightest. Its four Galilean moons will be visible, as well as possibly its great red spot.

Venus will be stunningly bright, and Mars and Saturn will be easily viewed. Counting the Earth, participants will be able to see five of the solar system’s nine planets.

The event is open to all, but reservations are being requested. Call 264-5098.

Patrick Comins will meet the group a the Bent parking lot and lead the way to Grassy Hill, an optimal site for viewing.

The cloud date is the following day. Call Bent of the River for an alternate day if both March 12 and 13 are cloudy.