In the next few weeks, Mars will be bright and easy to find in the east soon after sunset. The 2005-2006 apparition of Mars will be one of the most favorable of the twenty first century for two reasons: Mars will be close to Earth, and, it will be above the celestial equator in our sky. It will appear as a brilliant yellow-orange beacon in the sky. We won't have as good views of Mars again until 2018.
On Friday, Oct 28 from 8-11pm the planetarium staff of Dreyfus Planetarium is hosting free stargazing and Mars viewing at Riker Hill Park in Livingston. Telescopes will be set up for the public to see the red planet and other the wonders of the autumn sky. Click here for directions.
Telescopes will be set up only if the weather permits. If the event needs to be canceled, a message will be left on the planetarium hotline 973.596.6529 after 5pm on the day of the event.
October 23, 2005
Any "backyard astronomers" in the Montclair area? My Celestron SPC8 needs to be dusted off and put into use once in a while.
Posted by: Jim | Oct 25, 2005 3:01:48 PM
There are plenty of astronomers in town. The local club is the North Jersey Astronomical Group, and I'm sure a number of its members will be at this Mars event. The group also has public observing at MSU every clear Thursday evening during the school year and regularly features guest speakers on astronomical topics at its monthly meetings, which are open to the public. Visit http://www.njastro.org/ for a schedule and details.
Posted by: Sven | Oct 27, 2005 10:27:13 AM
