Popular astronomy

Like off-the-shoulder T-shirt dresses and Michael Jackson, space exploration is popping up in headlines with a frequency not witnessed since the 1980s. Every day, the papers report the latest findings of the Mars rover. Astronaut John Glenn just testified before Congress about the benefits of scientific research in space. Recently, astronomers have discovered a galaxy 13.23 billion light-years away (the farthest we’ve ever seen) and witnessed a black hole eating a star. Our concept of the universe is changing pretty fast these days! It might be wise to brush up on your astronomy at an accessible lecture by astronomer Steve White. He’ll discuss the latest space phenomena at a multimedia presentation for the whole family on Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children at the Unitarian Universalist Society, located at 2425 Sierra Boulevard. Call (916) 488-8867 for more information.