Mars' 'close' approach today spurs Earthwide celebration

Washington Times ^ | Wednesday, August 27, 2003 | By Jennifer Harper

[JohnHuang2]

It's party time for Mars lovers. At 5:51 a.m. this morning, the red planet was 34.65 million miles from us, the closest it's been in exactly 59,619 years.

Earthlings are celebrating.

There are, literally, hundreds of parties, festivals and sky-watching events scheduled around the planet, celebrating Mars as neighbor, astronomical phenomenon and cultural force.

[JohnHuang2]

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Quote of the Day by mombonn

[cherry]

where in the sky is it.....north..south..east ..west?

[feedback doctor]

the closest it's been in exactly 59,619 years

Had Strom Thurmond survived a few months he could have seen both close approaches. (/Humor)

May he rest in Peace

[martin_fierro]

Southeastern sky -- in the Aquarius constellation, if that helps (at least as viewed from California).

Mrs. Fierro & I watched it tonight ... looks like an especially bright star.

[Atlas Sneezed]

where in the sky is it.....north..south..east ..west?

---

Opposite the sun. Same as a full moon. Rises at sunset, sets at sunrise.