Date:
Are you one of those people who's always gazing up at the sky and wondering what you're looking at? Is it a little shocking to you that you've never looked at the moon through a telescope? Do you argue with people about which planet is Venus and which one is Mars, even though you secretly have no idea what either one looks like?
Orion Telescopes and Binoculars, the Watsonville-based maker of super high-quality optics, is here to help. And if you have kids, it's ready to make sure they have a better grip on the night sky than you do. Tonight Orion and Props Restaurant (at the Watsonville airport) host "Out of This World," a family-friendly moon-viewing party with a little Venus thrown in for good measure. Geared toward beginners and amateurs, the event will feature an array of Orion telescopes as well as experts poised to answer questions and help you learn the equipment. Raffle prizes, including a tabletop telescope and stargazers' tools, will be in the offing.
Since this is the dinner hour, Props is stepping up with a special "Out of This World" menu that includes a Bleu Moon Skirt Steak Salad with bleu cheese crumbles for $11.95, Planetary Pasta (seafood fettuccine in a cream sauce) for $18.95, and a Twilight Teriyaki Ribeye for $19.95. Grab a Moonlight Margarita or "Mars"tini to start things off. Kids can enjoy Planetary Punch and an Inter-Planetary Ice Cream Sandwich.
RSVP on the Props Restaurant Facebook page, as participation is limited to the first 130 people.
Props Restaurant and Lounge, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville. 7-10pm. Admission free.
Illustration by A.E. Gofman, 1893
