The Red Planet will be at its closest point to Earth
in nearly 15 years
Chester,
Pa. – Stargazers are in for a treat this month as Mars makes its closest
approach to Earth in nearly 15 years. The planet will appear brilliant and
red/orange in the night sky, outshining Jupiter and most stars.
To
see the Red Planet’s surface up close, the Widener University Observatory
invites the public to use its 16-inch computerized reflecting telescope.
Visitors may attend free 30-minute public viewings on Friday, July 27
at 9:30, 10 or 10:30
p.m., as well as on Monday, July 30 at 9:15, 9:45 or 10:15 p.m.
The
close approach can be attributed to what astronomers call an opposition point,
which occurs when Mars stands on the exact opposite side of the Earth from the
Sun. Hence, Mars rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Mars will be closest to
the Earth on July 31
– four days after the opposition.
“To
the unaided eye, Mars will appear brilliant in the sky, but a telescope will
reveal features, such as polar caps, deserts and dark markings, as long as dust
storms don’t obscure surface views,” said Professor Harry Augensen, director of
the Widener Observatory. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this
opportunity to view Mars up close.”
Even
at its closest point, Mars will be 36 million miles from Earth, or roughly 150
times farther away than the moon. The distance is just shy of the 35 million
miles that was noted on Aug. 29, 2003 as the closest viewing position in
recorded history. The next opposition won’t occur until Oct. 13, 2020, when Mars will be a bit
farther away at 39 million miles.
The
Widener University Observatory is located on the 4th floor of
Kirkbride Hall on 17th and Walnut Streets in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Because space is limited, participants are encouraged to make a reservation.
Visit www.widener.edu/stargazing,
then select Friday
or Monday
sessions to fill out the online form, or call 610-499-4003.
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