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Thread: Watch Out For Spectacular View

  1. #1
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    Blue Jumper Watch Out For Spectacular View

    Hello all!

    This is something interesting I came across. This mail was sent to me by a friend. I hope it turns out to be true. She wrote:

    Never again in our lifetimes will the Red Planet be so spectacular! This month Earth is catching up with Mars, an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.

    Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the last 5,000 years but it may be as long as 60,000 years. The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification, Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August Mars will rise in the east at 10 p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. But by the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 a.m. That's quite convenient when it comes to viewing a celestial occurrence that no human has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month. August 27th will be the close encounter!
    Share this! No one alive today will ever see this again.

    Regards,
    Optom

  2. #2
    Master OptiBoarder Cindy Hamlin's Avatar
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    Here's an article from Yahoo about it.

    http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...pace_mars_dc_1
    ~Cindy

    "If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." -Catherine Aird-

  3. #3
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    You can bet that I'll be watching this event! My only worry is whether I'll be able to remember it for comparison the NEXT time it happens. :0)

    shutterbug

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    Red Planet

    Hello Shutterbug,
    How about we write down for our great grand childern to compare what we saw,when they visit this optiboard!;)
    BTW, those of you lucky to spot planet Mars please share with us your viewing experience.
    Regards,
    Optom

    I am watching night sky,yet to see this favourite planet.
    Last edited by Optom; 08-07-2003 at 04:17 PM.

  5. #5
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    Optom - Mars rises at about 9:00 pm central time. All of the planets use roughly the same arc as the sun and moon, so watch where the sun comes up and look at that spot for mars rising at night. Planets do not "sparkle" like stars do and will appear more dull. Also Mars is literally red, so it stands out. Happy hunting!

    shutterbug

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    Thanks for direction Shutterbug. I'll get up to terrace with my binoculars tonight.
    Regards,
    Optom

  7. #7
    Cape Codger OptiBoard Gold Supporter hcjilson's Avatar
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    I can guarentee you one thing......

    Mars will not be visible anytime soon on Cape Cod. We have been stuck in a cloudy humid weather pattern for a couple of weeks. Its not supposed to get any better for at least the coming week.:o Take a picture for me!

    hj
    "Always laugh when you can. It is a cheap medicine"
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    Take a photo tour of Cape Cod and the Islands!
    www.capecodphotoalbum.com

  8. #8
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    Optom - just an update. Mars rises a bit to the south of where the sun rises, so look there.

    Shutterbug

  9. #9
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    Smilie Thanks Shutterbug!

    I've seen it, not yet that spectacular,waiting now for August 27th!
    Those members with flair for stars photography should take a pic and post it here. I don't get high speed film in my country and lack tripod too. Hope some one will post picture here.
    Regards,
    Optom

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