SOUTH GATE : Telescope Is Star of Observatory Show

It’s not often that youngsters get the chance to take a good look at something 900 million miles away.

But this week, experts from the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles will bring Saturn, the moon and other heavenly bodies a little closer through the “Traveling Telescope,” a free educational program that will introduce participants to the solar system and let them try some of the observatory’s powerful equipment.

Observatory guides have taken their telescopes to schools and clubs throughout the Los Angeles area for most of the facility’s 58-year history, but this marks the first program of its kind in South Gate, said Tony Cook, Griffith Park’s astronomical observer.

“This year, we’re making a special effort to visit recreational centers in South-Central and Los Angeles and places we hadn’t been before,” Cook said.

About 250 youngsters and their families are expected to attend the “star party” at 7 p.m. Thursday in South Gate Park’s Nos. 9 and 10 baseball diamonds, said Andy Clark, city recreational superintendent. In case of cloud cover, the event will be Nov. 22.

An observatory guide will provide information about the facility and an introduction to the stars and planets before inviting visitors to look at some of astronomy’s secrets through portable telescopes.

Through eight-inch lenses that make heavenly bodies appear up to 400 times as close as they do to the naked eye, participants will be able to spot the rings of Saturn, 900 million miles away.

Information: (213) 563-5443 or 664-1181.