Mars closer to earth then ever!

from...

http://www.msnbc.com/news/957424.asp

Aug. 26 — As if executing a cosmic air kiss, Earth and Mars will come as close as they desire in Wednesday’s wee hours during a historical event that has captivated the attention of skywatchers around the globe. The two planets will be separated by 34,646,418 million miles at 5:51 a.m. ET. Not since the Neanderthals shared this planet with early humans have the two worlds been so close.

THE SPAN of space is small only in the cosmic sense, however. Despite rumors, there will be no chance of collision and no unusual or dangerous gravitational effects. It is just a wonderful opportunity for anyone to enjoy a slice of astronomical history and to see Mars as bright as it can be.

Public interest in the event has soared recently as media around the world cover the story, which was first reported by Space.com last November. “It’s taken on almost a mystical importance with people,” said Ray Villard, news director at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates the Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble, which orbits Earth, will take advantage of the proximity by snapping two pictures of Mars for release Wednesday. The first will be available shortly after 6 a.m. ET.

WHERE TO LOOK

Click through 20 years of the "greatest hits" from the Red Planet. Mars rises in the southeast around sunset, your local time, shimmering like an orange star so bright it could momentarily be mistaken for an airliner on final approach. It outshines all other stars in the sky. Around 1 a.m. Mars is due south and high in the sky. It sets in the southwest at about sunrise. No equipment is necessary to observe Mars closer than has any human in the past 59,619 years. But the best views are afforded through telescopes, which can reveal surface markings, the south polar ice cap and clouds. For this purpose, astronomers recommend at least a 70mm lens for so-called refractor telescopes, or 4.25 inches for the reflector type. However, telescopes are in short supply at many stores, as a sort of Mars mania has folks scurrying to buy optical aids. People in many communities will flock to local observatories and amateur astronomy outings for a chance to peek through really big telescopes. Web searches can yield contact information for local astronomy clubs, and the Planetary Society has created an extensive list of related events. A complete Mars Viewer’s Guide is available from Space.com.

WHERE TO LOOK

For skywatchers, this opposition is particularly special. The orbits of both planets are not quite circles. So every 15 years, a Mars opposition comes when the Red Planet is about as near to the sun as its orbit ever carries it
speaking of planets... go here

http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm354277.html

kev

Show all stories by   Author:  53008 ( Click here )