The San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers will celebrate Astronomy Day—at night—at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands on Saturday, April 20. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a short meeting to which the public is invited, followed by night sky viewing from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the museum’s parking lot. These activities are presented free of charge.

A variety of telescopes will be set up for the public to see the waxing gibbous moon in the southern sky; the planet Jupiter will be visible in the west. Club members will offer assistance to all ages as they view the moon, planets, and stars. If weather obscures viewing, a video presentation will be offered inside the museum.

Astronomy Day is an annual event organized to provide interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups, and professionals. The event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. His intent was to set up telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoy views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/museum/. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.