Rare Eclipse of the Lunar Kind

March 11 Mike A'Hearn, an astronomy professor at the University of Maryland, discusses the Deep Impact comet mission at a meeting of the National Capital Astronomers. 7:30 p.m., U-Md. Observatory, Metzerott Road, College Park. http://capitalastronomers.org .

March 12 Astronomer Ed Witkowski discusses reaching out to astronomers-to-be and the fine art of finding open clusters at the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club meeting. 7 p.m., Room 80, Enterprise Hall, George Mason University, Fairfax. http://www.novac.com .

March 14 While scientists monitor the Earth's vegetation through remote sensing, John Townshend, chairman of the University of Maryland geography department, asks, "Where Have All the Forests Gone?" in the Exploring Space lecture series. 8 p.m., Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, National Air and Space Museum, Washington. Free, but tickets required. 202-633-1000; http://www.nasm.si.edu .

March 15 "Women's Work in Astronomy," a short lecture by David DeVorkin, curator at the National Air and Space Museum. Noon, Milestones of Flight gallery, National Air and Space Museum, Washington. 202-633-1000; http://www.nasm.si.edu .

March 20 Scientist Bhaswati Mookerjea explains "The Infrared Universe" at the University of Maryland Observatory astronomy open house. Afterward see the night sky, weather permitting. 8 p.m., U-Md. Observatory, Metzerott Road, College Park. 301-405-6555; http://www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse .

March 20 A presentation titled "Rites of Spring: Vernal Equinox." 7 p.m., Montgomery College Planetarium, Fenton Street, Takoma Park. Parking available in the faculty lot. 301-650-1463; http://montgomerycollege.edu/departments/planet .

Blaine Friedlander can be reached atbfriedlander@earthlink.net.