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08-08-2003, 11:02 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Mars is Coming for a Visit
On August 27th, Mars will be the closest that it has been to Earth in at least 5,000 years. Probably more like 60,000 years.
The Red Planet will be 34,649,589 miles from Earth and will attain a magnitude of -2.9 in the night sky, far brighter than any other visible planet or star.
When Mars is closest to Earth, it will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. An average 75-power magnification telescope will bring the planet into view at about the size of the moon, sans magnification. It is martian summer currently, but you should be able to make out the southern polar ice cap. You may however be disappointed with the view as Mars is actually more of a yellowish orange in color than the rust red of the enhanced NASA photos we're used to seeing.
The next time Mars and Earth are this close will be August 28th, 2287. Even if you're just an amateur stargazer, this is an oppurtunit you won't want to miss.
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08-08-2003, 11:42 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 5,267
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I heard out that. Good time to use any telescope. 
Pity the big telescope in Canberra got burnt out in the fires - could have got some really nice pics there. 
Cheers
Mick
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08-08-2003, 11:45 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: In a Cali Valley
Posts: 7,817
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LMAO August 28th, 2287 will be the next time it'll be this close? Sadly, I don't think I will still be around. | |
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08-09-2003, 03:09 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Monett Missouri
Posts: 3,900
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Oh I don't know Mike,eat right,exercise,your still a young man 
I heard this on the news,I am gonna have to find a telescope.I wish I had a way to get some pics
Prolly be plenty over at NASA though
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B.C.
Hug your kids, you never know:D
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08-10-2003, 12:16 AM
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#5 (permalink)
| | Banned
Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sunny California
Posts: 146
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Most amateur astronomy clubs will probably be having star parties over this one. If you don't own a telescope so what, just find a local club, contact them and see when they are getting together and invite your self. (They usually don't mind at all! )
Yes this is a once in a lifetime event. If the 'seeing' is good it will be most memorable one. I'm currently fixing my broken 8' Newtonian reflector to view this, but really I wish I had a 6' refractor. I’ll probably visit a couple of star parties myself. A few people there should have a big refractor.
Amateur astronomy used to be a hobby of mine, but it also can be a very expensive one (so can computers).
Last edited by wallie_x; 08-10-2003 at 12:20 AM.
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08-10-2003, 10:41 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Jackson,MS
Posts: 1,941
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Martian summer
Will the beaches be closed after Labor Day ????
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Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead
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08-10-2003, 10:55 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Sacto, Colliefornia
Posts: 787
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August 28th, 2287? Hey, I plan on living forever!
So far so good!
Mars is a great view, especially if you are an Aries!
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08-10-2003, 09:58 PM
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#8 (permalink)
| | ResellerRatings Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Winter Park Florida
Posts: 2,591
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anybody got a telescope and a camera? I will try to find something to look at it... would love to see... hope some people grab some photos or something...
-: phenious :-
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08-23-2003, 08:39 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,296
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any idea where in the sky it is/will be?
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08-23-2003, 08:47 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: TOO close to Wash DC
Posts: 7,956
| Quote: Originally posted by sixf00t4
any idea where in the sky it is/will be? | up  | |
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