The Santa Monica College John Drescher Planetarium will present three special feature shows in May: "Saturn & Moon"; "Hubble Telescope" and "Star Parties."

"Special Observing Event: Saturn & the Moon," on Friday, May 1, will allow observers, through a variety of telescopes, to take a "farewell" look at the north side of Saturn's rings. Every 15 years, a "ring plane crossing" occurs where Saturn's rings appear edge-on as viewed from Earth. This crossing will occur later this year. Saturn, like the Earth, has a tilted axis, so observers view an alternating sequence of the "north" and "south" side of the rings during Saturn's nearly 30-year orbit around the Sun. The observing event will come after a brief discussion unless clouds intervene, in which case the entire event will be indoors with some great images.

"Once More, with Feeling: The Last Hubble Servicing Mission," on Friday, May 8 & 15. This special show will examine the final Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission in early May, in which a team of astronauts will make repairs and upgrades to extend Hubble's useful life. It will take a look at how the Hubble's last mission prepares for the bittersweet end of the incredible career of this famous orbital observatory.

"Summer Star Party Planner," on Friday, May 29, which will provide great tips on attending a summer star party, whether the location is in urban, suburban, mountainous or desert areas.

The feature shows are at 8 p.m., and are preceded by "The Night Sky Show" at 7 p.m., which re-creates the night sky and provides the latest information on space exploration.
The John Drescher Planetarium, which features the Digistar projection system, is located on the second floor of Drescher Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd.

Tickets are $5 each or $9 for the "double bill," with discounts for children and senior citizens. For information, call (310) 434-4223 or (310) 434-3000.