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Michael Amsler The rings of Saturn! Starstruck lovers won't want to miss the chance to gaze into the heavens at the Ferguson Observatory. And don't worry about observatory stalwarts George Loyer and Larry McCone--they've seen it all. Starry-Eyed FOR MILLENNIA, stargazing has held a romantic place in the hearts of lovers. Something about looking into the never-ending expanse of the universe stirs our souls in a way not unlike the stirrings of love, only different, and sometimes with the additional aid of a telescope. After staring into your lover/spouse's eyes for a while, the pair of you (or hey, the three of you if that's your thing; the sky holds no moral judgment over those that gaze upon it) can enjoy some world-class stargazing at the Ferguson Observatory within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (east of Santa Rosa on Adobe Canyon Road off Highway 12). The high-powered telescope will bring the firmament into focus as the knowledgeable docents--members of the Valley of the Moon Astronomical Association--gladly answer your questions about the stars in the sky, if not the ones in your lover's eyes. That, happily, is your job. 883-6979 www.yorty.sonoma.edu/VMOA/news.htm. D.T. [ Sonoma County | MetroActive Central | Archives ]