Now is a great time to take a close look at Jupiter. The king of the planets dominates the summer sky and makes an enticing target for backyard and public telescopes.

On clear Friday and Saturday evenings, from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. this summer, you can join the staff of the Buhl Planetarium & Observatory for a glimpse of Jupiter and its moons through our 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. The observatory is located on the fifth floor terrace of Carnegie Science Center. Admission is only $1.

You can also view Jupiter at one of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh's free public star parties at two sites in Western Pennsylvania this summer. You can attend a star party at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, located in Deer Lakes Park, just outside of Russellton, Pa. You can also attend a star party at the site of the AAAP's Mingo Creek Park Observatory, located in Mingo Creek County Park, Washington County. Log on to www.3ap.org for dates and times.