Astronomy Picture of the Day 7-16-03

NASA ^ | 7-16-03 | Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell

[petuniasevan]

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2003 July 16

Mars' Simulated View
Simulation Credit: Solar System Simulator, JPL, NASA

Explanation: When earthdweller Patrick Vantuyne wondered what his home planet's single large moon would look like if viewed from Mars on July 17, he availed himself of the JPL Solar System Simulator. Of course, when viewed from Earth on that date (tomorrow), the gibbous Moon will pass tantalizingly close to Mars for observers in North, Central, and South America and will actually pass in front of (occult) the Red Planet for some locations, including much of Florida. Vantuyne's efforts were rewarded with this remarkable simulated view of of the crescent Moon against the background of a darkened Earth. From the martian vantage point, the lunar orb is seen just below the tip of the Florida peninsula at 8:05 GMT. Observers on planet Earth who want to watch the corresonding Moon/Mars show in tomorrow's predawn sky should note the viewing times for selected cities.

[petuniasevan]

South Florida Freepers take note! You will see Mars disappear behind the Moon. Below is a chart showing the path of occultation.

The next map is a close-up of South Florida with the "graze" area between the diagonal lines. South of the lines Mars will completely disappear. North of the lines Mars will not appear to touch the Moon.

For more on occultations of planets, asteroids, and stars, go HERE.

The occultation will occur around 4:30 AM EDT. on 7-17-03.

---

Mars will still appear to be very close indeed to the Moon as seen from many parts of the country. Enjoy the early-morning sight!

[petuniasevan]

[petuniasevan]

[Support Free Republic]

SHOW JIM THE MONEY!!!!

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

BTTT

[sistergoldenhair]

Thanks!

[djf]

Thanks! It was a very interesting sight indeed, Mars was quite red, but less visible than usual because of the bright moon. Two events that rivaled it was Comet Bennet in about '70, which was spectacular, and the one and only time I was able to view Venus DURING THE DAY.

[EggsAckley]

Wow, petunia! I dreamed this image two nights ago. The moon, with a smaller circle near the middle of it. The smaller orb kept sliding out to the right, and somehow I was able to "coax" it back into the middle.

This is creepy.
Thanks!