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BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red'
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Subject: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: katlaughing Date: 02 Aug 03 - 06:19 PM Last time Mars was this close to the Earth was 60,000 years ago when Neanderthals were around. The closest will actually be on August 27th. Right now, one should be able to see the southern polar ice cap on it with the use of an 8 inch telescope. Lots more about this at Approaching Mars. Seems as though we should make note of it, here. Anyone for a song challenge? kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: LilyFestre Date: 02 Aug 03 - 06:56 PM Mars is visable here without the use of a telescope. We saw it 2 nights ago....an incredibly clear night here in North Central Pennsylvania. It was off to the east....reddish in color (although not as red as I thought it would be).....here's to wishing we had a telescope to view it even more closely!!! :) Lily |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Padre Date: 02 Aug 03 - 11:07 PM Jonathan Eberhart would be so pleased - he had a real love affair with the Red Planet. Anybody got the words to his 'Lament for a Red Planet?' Padre |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 02 Aug 03 - 11:54 PM
EDUCATION The word for this summer is Mars. The Red Planet will make its closest approach to earth in over 50,000 years this summer. ASTRONOMY CLUB http://www.atm-workshop.com/wcac/future_talks.html
ASTRONOMY SOCIETY>br> http://www.laas.org/ Mars transits at 1:11 AM on August 27, and makes its closest approach to Earth at 1:20 AM, the closest we can expect to see Mars, for about the next 50,000 years or so.
CHRISTI MCAULIFF PLANETARIUM August 20 - Exploration: Mars. Mars will be the closest to Earth it has been in the last 50,000 years this August! You and your little astronaut can learn all about the Red Planet
NEWSPAPER Mars, the Red Planet, will be making its closest approach to Earth in at least 50,000 years this summer. It will dazzle naked-eye stargazers
REFERENCE PAGE This summer our rusty neighbor will be VERY close to Earth. In fact, it won't be even nearly as close again until the year 2082. It won't be precisely this close again for almost 28,000 years! The last time it was this close was at least 50,000 years ago!!!
PLANETARY SOCIETY - Mars News 26-Jun-2003 - Planetary Society declares August 27, 2003 - Mars Day (Planetary Society) On August 27, the planet Mars will be closer to Earth than it has been in more than 50,000 years. To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, The Planetary Society is declaring to the world that August 27, 2003 be Mars Day.
Sincerely, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 02 Aug 03 - 11:59 PM PADRE Why in heaven's name would you suggest LYRICS on a FolkSong site? Above the bar is so confused with kitty-litter you can't find anything! Asking for LYRICS might slip this thread into oblivion.
Sincerely, |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: alanabit Date: 03 Aug 03 - 03:41 AM I have seen something big and red up there in the East at about 30-40 degrees that could be Mars. It was in the middle of the night though, when I was going for a pee. I haven't had time to check it. At this time of year, it could be Arcturus, which is also bright red and much higher in the sky than it is in winter. So folks, am I more likely to be looking at Mars or is your money on boring old Arcturus? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: John MacKenzie Date: 03 Aug 03 - 03:50 AM Mars, she's making eyes at me. Giok..........Sorry couldn't resist. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Metchosin Date: 03 Aug 03 - 03:51 AM Well if you really want to get nitpicky about it, the original estimate was 73,000 years, but apparently, according to NASA, the calculations have been updated as of May to 60,000 years. Initial calculations were out thirteen thousand years, but I somehow doubt the astronomers were sniping at each other with sarcastic comments.....gimme a break. from this site: "At 5:51 a.m. EDT on Aug. 27, 2003, Mars will be within 34,646,418 miles (55,758,006 kilometers) of Earth. This will be the closest that Mars has come to our planet in nearly 60,000 years. [Editor's Note: The initial computations that brought this event to light were made by Jean Meeus of Belgium. The above distances, only very slightly refined, were supplied to SPACE.com on Dec. 13, 2002 by orbit expert Myles Standish at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The "nearly 60,000 years" estimate was originally 73,000 years and was updated on May 1, 2003 as new calculations were supplied." I'm looking forward to doing a lot of stargazing in the Rockies shortly, with no light pollution other than an occasional flashlight. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: katlaughing Date: 03 Aug 03 - 06:33 AM Thanks, Mets. I guess it just doesn't do to quote NASA: Much has been made of the fact that the August 27th encounter with Mars is the closest in some 60,000 years. Neanderthals were the last to observe Mars so favorably placed. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Bill D Date: 03 Aug 03 - 09:27 AM Padre..the lyrics are still up on the Science News site (along with the many tributes to Jonathan)...but, just because I feel like it, I repost them in this thread. Jonathan would be totally immersed in this coming event if fate had not intervened. --------------------------------------------------------- Lament for a Red Planet Ten thousand times a hundred thousand dusty years ago, Where now extends the Plain of Gold did once my river flow. It stroked the stones and spoke in tongues and splashed against my face, Till ages rolled—the sun shone cold on this unholy place. So many stars bedeck my skies where once there were but few, But oh, to know again the clouds that hid them from my view. My ochred cliffs and rusted sands stand regal and serene, But oh, my wan and wasted world, I miss your blue and green. But it's just the weight of waiting, not a deathwatch o'er a friend; Tomorrow has a starting as does yesterday an end. For the water of my river and the air that was my wind, Though bound in rocks and wint'ry wastes, I pray may flow again. Words and Music, Jonathan Eberhart ©1980 Also ©2003 Wood Song Ventures |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Amos Date: 03 Aug 03 - 10:03 AM Wow -- good for Jonathon E. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: katlaughing Date: 03 Aug 03 - 10:39 AM Beautiful...thanks for posting them, Bill. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: mack/misophist Date: 03 Aug 03 - 05:22 PM I missed it last time, I'll probably miss it again. There's always next time. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Peter T. Date: 03 Aug 03 - 05:29 PM Nice song. yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Gareth Date: 03 Aug 03 - 06:32 PM AH - Senator Proximire - You have much to answer for !!!!! Gareth - who admits to being a Sci-Fi fan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Rapparee Date: 03 Aug 03 - 08:01 PM Good Lord!! "The initial computations that brought this event to light were made by Jean Meeus of Belgium." If it wasn't for the Belgians this never would have been known!! Maybe that's why I don't remember seeing anything about it in the "Neanderthaler News" the last time -- Belgium hadn't been discovered yet. Actually, this is pretty darned exciting to me, an old, dyed-in-the-wool SF fan and astronomer wannabe. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Alba Date: 03 Aug 03 - 08:57 PM This is exciting. I love the Night Sky. Can't see anything at the moment up here in Northern Maine. Heavy cloudcover for the next few days but I will keep my eye on the Sky when it clears. I wonder what will be said about us the next time this event occurs? 27th will be worth getting ready for. Thanks for the info Kat:>) JD Lovely Lyrics. They sure do belong on Red's thread. Thank you for posting them Bill. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Bill D Date: 03 Aug 03 - 09:06 PM if you can, get the Folk Legacy recording of Jonathan ..."Life's Trolley Ride" ...the song is there, and his guitar and voice transport you to 'other places'...and his long explanation of WHY Mars might have gotten like it is, and how it might someday return, is moving indeed! If the weather clears, I will be looking up. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Metchosin Date: 03 Aug 03 - 10:43 PM well my hope for a few clear nights in the Rockies may be dashed, depending on the direction of the smoke from the huge forest fire around Blairmore and the Crowsnest Pass. Might have a better view of it from home here on the coast. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: kendall Date: 04 Aug 03 - 02:17 PM We saw it around midnight at the Champlain Valley festival. I don't know how anyone could mistake Mars with Arcturus. Mars is a planet, Arcturus a star. Also, Mars is in the east, and the big dipper in the north points toward Arcturus. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Mudlark Date: 04 Aug 03 - 02:54 PM Thanks for posting that beautiful Lament, Bill. Clear skies here, not much light pollution...I'll be looking up... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: alanabit Date: 04 Aug 03 - 03:16 PM Thanks Kendall, but I think it's the tail of the bear or the handle of the Big Dipper, whatever you call it, which points to Arcturus. It's the pointers at the front end which point to the North Star - but I guess that is hardly new information for a sailor! The problem is that I only see a bit of the sky and can't really get my bearings. If I was up on a moor or on the coast, it would be pretty easy. You also have to remember that from a big city, it is not so easy to tell whether the thing really is twinkling or not - and the horizon is that much higher. However, your remark that Mars is in the East makes it likely that I have indeed seen the red planet. Maybe I'll get the telescope out one of these nights! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Mr Red Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:00 PM Song? Well I got the red glasses - is that a start? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: kendall Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:24 PM I see how I confused you, the tip of the handle does point toward Arcturus, and the leading edge of the dipper itself points to Polaris. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Sleepless Dad Date: 04 Aug 03 - 10:43 PM The moon is a harsh mistress. Won't she be upset with us paying so much attention to another heavenly body ? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: JohnInKansas Date: 05 Aug 03 - 01:17 AM Horkheimer's "Looking Up" bit on PBS this evening indicated that on Tuesday evening, August 5, Mars should be about "one moon diameter" below the full moon - slightly below and "behind" the moon. On Wednesday, August 6, it should be about the same distance above and "ahead" of the moon. It should be bright enough to be easily visible about an hour after sundown on either day. Mars will increase in brightness by quite a bit as it reaches it's closest point, but the nearness to the moon now should make it very simple for anyone interested in identifying it unambiguously. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: Liz the Squeak Date: 05 Aug 03 - 07:21 AM RE the song challenge - can I submit Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds'? After all, the chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one. LTS & George Orwell |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 05 Aug 03 - 07:30 AM !@#$% cloud cover! Maybe I'll be able to see it next week when I'm in Boulder! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: *daylia* Date: 05 Aug 03 - 08:08 AM I think I was looking at it last night through a break in the cloud cover! Looked like a big star with a blush on. ( Did "he" catch you with your pants down, alanabit?) ;>) Thanks for the tip, kat, and for all the information about locating it to everyone who posted here. And thank you for the song, Bill -- just beautiful. daylia |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: GUEST,Mr Green of Mars Date: 05 Aug 03 - 11:31 AM Greetings Earthlings, We on the Red Planet enjoy our privacy. We do not wish to have you pointing your telescopes at us. As we are a very old race, our science is vastly superior to yours and we have our own telescopes which will even show us microbes on your planet. The sights that we see when we look at earth are not very pleasant and tend to make us puke out of all 36 of our mouths symultaneously (we do however find the blue, half liquid, half gaseous beings of Venus quite captivating). Recent research has enabled us to design a device that can completely erase the male and female genitalia of you earthings and when we get to the the closest point we will even have enough power to completely nullify those of the creature designated "catspaw49". Therefore, puny earthlings, you should divert your energies to sorting out your domestic affairs, rather than spying on your intellectual superiors. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: GUEST,Mr. Man in the Moon Date: 05 Aug 03 - 11:43 AM Listen to them, Earthlings! The rest of us in this system know that you have plans to start shipping your garbage off-world. Think again!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Closest in 60,000 years - seeing 'Red' From: clueless don Date: 05 Aug 03 - 01:02 PM On the topic of gazing at Mars during this historical close approach: I would be interested in recommendations for a telescope (and supporting gear - tripod, etc.), where I don't want to spend more then $200.00(US) on the whole shooting match. Any websites I have looked at essentially say "You need to spend more than $200", or words to that effect. I find it hard to believe that there isn't a $200 telescope out there that wouldn't be better than 7x50 binoculars for seeing detail of Mars. Any advice? |
