Something for the Early Bird and the Night Owl

Venus and Jupiter work the late shift in October, while Saturn handles the early shift.

Low in the southwestern sky at dusk, Venus loiters above the western horizon, and quickly follows the sun into setting. Earth's effervescent neighbor -- although bright at -3.9 magnitude -- pretty much remains low the entire month. If you wish to catch Venus on its short, nightly appearance, hang out and watch the sunset and you'll see this lovely planet pop out of the darkened skies above the horizon.

Jupiter is moderately high in the southern sky at dusk. On crisp October nights, it is a bright and fun sight, as it gleams at -2.1 magnitude, befriending the constellation Sagittarius.

Early in the month, Jupiter sets in the west around 11:30 p.m., but sets 45 minutes earlier about two weeks from now. By October's end, this planet descends into the horizon around 10 p.m.

Rising now in the 5 a.m. hour, Saturn ascends the eastern heavens with the constellation Leo. For early risers, you can enjoy an hour of viewing -- before the sun washes it out -- through the middle of October. Late in the month, you'll have even more time, as this ringed, gaseous sphere rises around 3:30 a.m.

Saturn, at first magnitude, is visible from the light-polluted urban areas around Washington.

Small Steps in Space

Before giant leaps, there were small steps: NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary Wednesday.

On Oct. 11, 1958, the space agency launched its first craft, Pioneer 1, to study the moon. Although the mission failed to reach its objective, the craft returned valuable information on the radiation fields enveloping the Earth. For details on the agency's half-century of space exploration, visit http://www.nasa.gov/50th.

Down-to-Earth Events

Oct. 4-- Living and Working in Space is a Family Day event at the National Air and Space Museum. Meet space experts and former astronauts, learn how music is played in space and participate in hands-on activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. http://www.nasm.si.edu.

Oct. 4-- The 26th Annual NOVAC Star Gaze, hosted by the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, at C.M. Crockett Park in Fauquier County. Find out how to enjoy the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. Experienced astronomers will answer questions. Event is free to Fauquier residents. Admission for nonresidents is $6 per car. http://www.novac.com/gaze. 540-788-4867.

Oct. 5-- Astronomer Stacy Teng talks on "Making Astronomical Discoveries from your Living Room" at an open house, University of Maryland observatory. See the night sky through a telescope afterward, weather permitting. 9 p.m. http://www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse. 301-405-6555.

Oct. 11-- John Grant of the National Air and Space Museum talks on "Mars Exploration Rovers: Still Driving After All These Years," at the regular meeting of the National Capital Astronomers, University of Maryland observatory. 7:30 p.m. http://www.capitalastronomers.org.