With intriguing new objects being discovered around and beyond Pluto, with wonderful new pictures and information coming from Mars, and with more than 150 planets - some too weird for words - now known to orbit other stars, this winter quarter might be the perfect time for an introduction to the planets.

Foothill College offers Astronomy 10A, “Planets for Poets,” in the evening and during the day, for anyone interested in the latest discoveries and ideas about other worlds. The instructor, Andrew Fraknoi, specializes in explaining scientific ideas in everyday language. No background in science or math is required.

Winter quarter starts Jan. 9 and ends March 29. The Astronomy 10A course is scheduled for 6-8:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and noon to 1:25 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Registration begins Monday. To enroll, visit www.foothill.edu and click on “Apply and Register” in the top menu.

For more information on the astronomy program, visit www.foothill.edu/ast.

Astronomer on ‘10th Planet’

Brown will tell how he and his colleagues discovered an object larger than the planet Pluto and with an orbit at least twice as large. He will share the latest ideas about whether this new object (and Pluto) are planets. He will also will explain how astronomers continue to find larger and smaller bodies in the outskirts of the solar system.

Arrive early to find parking, and bring eight quarters for the permit machine in the lot. For more information, call 949-7888 or visit www.foothill.edu.