Astronomy Workshop: “The Invasion of Mars”

Join us for an astronomy workshop that will take you on a captivating journey to the fourth planet from the Sun—Mars, the “Red Planet.” This one-hour in-depth presentation will delve into Mars’ rich history and fascinating myths. We’ll learn about the early discoveries of Mars and discover how our understanding of the Red Planet has evolved over time. Halfway through the presentation, we’ll pause for a live constellation talk, where you’ll learn how to recognize key patterns in the night sky. 

As we move towards the final segment of the event, we’ll shift focus to the future of Mars exploration. What challenges will humanity face when attempting to send humans to the Red Planet? How will we overcome the technological, biological, and environmental obstacles that lie ahead? To conclude the event, we’ll step outside for an outdoor telescope viewing session, offering you the chance to observe the night sky and the Red Planet itself—giving you a truly hands-on experience of the cosmos. 

Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, a space exploration fan, or simply curious about the mysteries of the Red Planet, this event will leave you with a deeper understanding and a sense of wonder about our place in the universe. 

• Explore Mars’ mysteries, myths, and future with an engaging astronomy expert.

• View the Red Planet up close during a telescope session under dark desert skies.

• Learn to spot constellations and navigate the night sky with confidence.

• Get inspired by humanity’s bold plans to reach Mars—and what it means for us all.

REGISTER TODAY!

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 

Time: 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. 

Location: Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center 

401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 

Cost: 

ABF Member: $25 

Non-Member: $30 

Student: $15 

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to [email protected] with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.  

About the Instructor: 

David White was born in Fontana, California and obtained a degree in Astronomy (Classical Newtonian / General Astronomy). Upon graduation he accepted a position at Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles under Dr. E.C. Krupp and Mr. John Mosley in the museum’s operations, planetarium programs, and outreach programs as the lead operator of The Traveling Telescope. In 1990, David became the Planetarium Director/Community Services Instructor at The Daniel B. Milliken Planetarium at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. In 1993, David established his own traveling astronomy program under a private label that school children coined for him (“Astronomy Man”) with the slogan: “Astronomy Man – bringing the science of astronomy down to Earth.”  

David is the author of numerous planetarium show scripts, has been a guest speaker on various local radio programs, and was the featured guest on ABC channel 7 Eyewitness News 1990 “Reopening of the Milliken Planetarium”. In 2022, he discovered a 118-gram meteorite sample in Alabama which is most likely a portion of the larger “Walker County” 74.8-kg sample of 1832 and is one of only eighteen approved meteorites discovered in Alabama. He resides with his wife LaRee in Riverside. 

Cancellation Policy:  

Cancellation requests must be received seven days before the event if you wish to receive a refund. ABF may cancel a program due to inclement weather, road conditions, or low attendance with 24-hour notice if possible. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.