Im hearing that tonite the planet Mars will be at it's closest point to the earth and wont be again for another 60,000 yrs. Im not much of a star gazer but this is cool stuff. If the clouds cooperate i'll be gettin the binocs out and takin a peep.
You don't even really need the binocs to be impressed. Mars has been very close for the past couple weeks. You can't hardly miss it if you go out after dark-- it's just about the brightest object in the sky.
After 9pm or so, step outside and look to the southeast-- it will be fairly low in the horizon, and look like a very tiny orange spot light.
Tonight is the closest approach, but it will still be very visible for another few weeks. :thumb:
Actually it's been 60,000 years since it was this close.
It will be this close again in a couple hundred more, as I understand it.
Mars is close to the sun as well as the Earth now. As a result, dust storms are more prevelant on the planet's surface. You can still make out much detail if you have at least a 100x telescope. But the big boys, with the big toys, prefer to view it during a more calm state.
Jay you have to go and be all scientific like. :moon:
I'm with Cam, put a case of Bass Ale on ice and wait till the next one. We've got time ! This is so overated. I went to Mars once for vacation and believe me the service sucked. I waited all week on the beach and not once did anyone come round and ask me if I wanted something to drink.
Go to the Bahamas, they treat you right there. :thumb:
Dammit! I keep forgetting! I get home and bury myself in my book, but tonight I'm going to check it out.
Hmmmm, I could have sworn that there was some planetary alignment 10-15 years ago..... 3 planets were extemely close and I thought one of them was Mars........ anyone have any idea what I'm talking about? Cuz, I rarely do. :confused: