All Is Bright for Jupiter, Venus

discusses "Dwarf Planets, Asteroids and Comets" at the Space Telescope Science Institute auditorium, Johns Hopkins University campus, Baltimore. 8 p.m. Information: 410-338-4700; http://hubblesite.org/about_us/public-talks.shtml

· Friday -- We mighty not be alone, as astronomer Cole Miller answers the question, "Where Else in Our Solar System Might There Be Life?" at the open house, University of Maryland observatory, College Park. After, scan the heavens, weather permitting. 8 p.m. 301-405-6555; http://www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse

· Dec. 13 -- Politics is universal. Kevin Marvel of the American Astronomical Society explains "Astronomy Policy in the United States: A Brief Introduction to a Messy Business," at the regular meeting of the National Capital Astronomers, University of Maryland observatory. 7:30 p.m. http://www.capitalastronomers.org

· Dec. 14 -- Taka Sakamoto enlightens local astronomers about the Goddard Robotic Telescope project, an optical telescope, at the regular meeting of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, Room 80, Enterprise Hall, George Mason University, Fairfax. 7 p.m. http://www.novac.com

· Dec. 20 -- Astronomer Alberto Bolatto, who studies galaxies, talks astronomy at the open house, University of Maryland observatory, College Park. See the night sky after, if weather permits. 8 p.m. 301-405-6555; http://www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse

· Dec. 20 -- With short days soon getting longer, understand the celestial mechanics behind "The Day of the Sun's Return: The Winter Solstice," Montgomery College planetarium, Takoma Park. 7 p.m. http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/planet

Blaine Friedlander may be reached at PostSkyWatch@aol.com.