This year marks the final passage of Earth through Saturn's ring-plane, completing the cycle that takes place at approximately fifteen year intervals. After Feb. 11, we shall be viewing the rings from their southern, sunlit side until 2009. We shall also be treated to two total lunar eclipses this year, although we shall not be able to view the first in its entirety. The final unusual event is the possibility of seeing a comet that some observers are predicting will be the most visible comet since Comet West in 1976. In this case, though, the best views will not be until 1997.

    The first of the lunar eclipses takes place on April 3, but by the time Moon rises here, at 6:42 p.m., totality will have been underway for 16 minutes. Mid-eclipse occurs at 7:10 p.m., totality ends at 7:53 p.m., and the partial phase ends at 8:59 p.m. At the end of the partial phase, the altitude of Moon will be about 23 degrees.

    We shall be able to view all of the second lunar eclipse on Sept. 26. The partial phase of the eclipse begins at 9:12 p.m., totality begins at 10:19 p.m. and ends at 11:29 p.m., and the partial phase ends at 12:36 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 27.

    Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered at the greatest distance from Earth of any comet, has displayed jets and other outbursts that have led to the prediction that it will be at least first magnitude when it is near perihelion in the first half of 1997. It is expected to be visible with a telescope or binoculars, and perhaps to the naked eye from exceptionally clear, dark sites, in the autumn of 1996. It may have a nucleus larger than Halley's comet. If you have access to the Internet and have a Web browser you can obtain up-to-date information by using the URL http://newproducts.jpl.nasa.gov/comet/index.html.

    The final crossing of Saturn's ring-plane by Earth takes place in an interval of about 12 minutes on Feb. 11. Thereafter the angle between our line of sight and the ring-plane increases gradually to 6.2 degrees in July, but then decreases to 3.0 degrees before resuming its increase in late November. In late May, as a morning "star," Saturn crosses into the northern half of the sky for the first time since 1981, and, except for an excursion south of the celestial equator during its retrograde loop later this year, remains in the northern half of the sky for the next 15 years.

    Jupiter is not nearly so well placed for viewing this year; it lies in Sagittarius all year, low in the southern sky. It hasn't been this low since 1985 and will not be this low again until 2007.

    Venus is visible in the evening sky until early June. On May 5 it will be at its greatest declination (farthest north) in the 20th century. It will be conspicuous in the early morning sky for the last half of 1996.

    Mars becomes visible in the early morning sky in June but it remains fainter than first magnitude until December as it moves into the evening sky, heading toward its next opposition in March, 1997.

    Mercury is best placed for our evening viewing in late April and for our early morning viewing in early October.

    The WVU Physics Department's Tomchin Planetarium is presenting "The Mars Show" at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month through June, 1996. These presentations are free and open to the public. Because there is limited seating in the Planetarium, reservations are required. Call 293-3422, Ext. 1443, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on week-days. The Observatory will be open beginning at 8:00 p.m. on the same evenings, if it is clear, for public viewing. No reservations are necessary for the Observatory.

    We wish you clear skies and dark nights for 1996.