Astronomical Society to focus on Mars

The Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS) will host a presentation on “The War of the Worlds: A Brief History of Martian Invasion” during its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Fri., Feb. 17 in the Forum Auditorium at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

Guest speaker Matt Ventimiglia, who has a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in cinema from USC, will present a history of common perceptions and misperceptions about the planet Mars. His talk will have a special emphasis on reciprocating influences between science and popular culture through the lens of the late 19th-century H.G. Wells novel “The War of the Worlds.”

The public is welcome to attend. For recorded information, please call Starline at (805) 5209666.

Additionally, VCAS will host a public star party from 6 to 9 p.m. Sat., Feb. 25 in the Charles Temple Observatory at Moorpark College. The impetus for the star party is “Come See Saturn.” The party will allow guests to observe this ringed planet through the observatory telescope and club members’ telescopes.

The event is appropriate for children age 8 and older. Guests should bring binoculars, lawn chairs and warm clothing––but no flashlights.