This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in 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 before it happens again.
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth 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 it will rise in the east at 10p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m.
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 12:30a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being 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. Share this with your children and grandchildren.
It's impressive how the internet upchucks the same debris year after year. The same hooi is going around in Hebrew
Ethan
PS If anyone wants to be impressed, the largest planet in the Solar System is overhead at dusk. The Storms of Jupiter and it's Moons are impressive. To the right of Jupiter you can see the blue baby star Spica in Virgo and to Jupiter's left you have old red Antares of Scorpio. Just some nice real things to look at.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. "Why shouldn't the American people take half my money from me? I took it all from them." - Edward Filene
#2. "Mars, once in a lifetime close up, hoax!" In response to 81 Newbee (Reply # 0) Mon Jul-24-06 11:17 AM by Allyn
I was stunned when I saw this email show up in my mailbox over a week ago being recirculated to an unwitting public that knows too little about the sky. The event did occur but we discussed it here at PCQandA three years ago.
Actually, Mars is on the far side of the sun, setting very low in the western shortly after sunset. At the end of August, 2006, it will be nearly in line with the sun, well over 200 million miles away. Think it will be visible to us then?
Ethan has it right; enjoy real celestial events and objects now. Using a small telescope or with 7 x 50 binoculars stabilized on a tripod, Jupiter is a great sight for those with even minimal interest. Even with binoculars, one can easily seen its primary moons and detect a hint of cloud banding. To make it easy, Jupiter is very bright and easy to find high in the southern evening sky after sunset.
It can show you the sky in any part of the world at any time, it also shows the current positions of the Sun, Moon and planets, if you leave it running the sky moves just like the real sky - awesome!
Here's a screenshot I've taken of where Mars is right now, next to Regulus in Leo.
#5. "RE: Mars, once in a lifetime close up, hoax!" In response to Carl D (Reply # 3)
Thank you all for pointing out my error.I would like to use my age as an excuse but I know better.I too am amazed at the amount of BAD imformation that that is repeatly passed around on a regular basis.It was late and I was careless and should have checked. I am interested in the universe and its marvels and am suscribed to Heavens Above but ,no doubt I blew it.At least I did not send it to my Email regulars(One of them sent it to me.) Three years ago,I probably read it when it was last here but I confess that I have a Clintonian syndrone."I do not recall"That should square me with many of our group here and to them and others I say SORRY !I will try not to do it again.Maybe for another three years .Thank you!
#8. "RE: Mars, once in a lifetime close up, hoax!" In response to 81 Newbee (Reply # 5)
We have all did it at least ounce ! And will no doubt do it again . Doesn't bother me,to trivial . And besides some may have missed it the first time around . Like me !
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#9. "RE: Mars, once in a lifetime close up, hoax!" In response to 81 Newbee (Reply # 5) Mon Jul-24-06 08:03 PM by Allyn
I don't mean to sound harsh in my response. I'm more concerned with how it got started again a couple of weeks ago. I believe such a repeat hoax has to originate from those who know better and are getting their kicks at seeing just how far it goes.
#11. "RE: Mars,Once in a lifetime close up !" In response to Shelly (Reply # 4)
>That was correct when it was originally posted in 2004.
Quote:
Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m.
I had no intention of putting down our honorable friend in my original post
Ethan
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. "Why shouldn't the American people take half my money from me? I took it all from them." - Edward Filene
#12. "RE: Mars,Once in a lifetime close up !" In response to Ethan (Reply # 11)
No offense taken !I get a lot of things that are outdated or downright false and usually check them out.I feel bad when I send the same.I hope all is well with you.Your country has a very difficult job ahead .I wish you well !!
