[SOC] Fw: Mars

[Ron Wetjen]

Bob N0UF wrote:

>  At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look as large as the full 
 >  moon to he naked eye.

Mmmm ...

http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/planets/article_985_1.asp

"Despite its remarkable proximity this time, Mars's features will be 
more elusive than its next-door-neighbor status would suggest. Faced 
with a public that's clamoring for views at summer star parties, 
inexperienced observers will have a hard time impressing their audience. 
For Mars, an angular extent of 25.1" is as good as it gets, but that's 
barely more than half the apparent diameter of Jupiter."

So ... take a look at Jupiter at 75 power ... and Mars will be about 
half that wide.  "As large as the full moon to the naked eye" ... I 
think not.

>  No one alive today will ever see this again.

While it's true, Mars hasn't been this close in a while, to say that 
you'll never see something like it again is a bit much ...

"Mars becomes almost this large every 15 or 17 years � whenever it 
passes closest to Earth (near opposition) within a few weeks of the date 
it is also nearest the Sun (perihelion). For example, in August 1971 the 
disk became as large as 24.9", and in September 1988 it reached 23.8". 
Less-ideal views come at intervals of about 2 years 2 months, as in May 
1999 when it reached 16.2", and in June 2001 when it attained 20.8". 
Putting August 2003 in perspective, this is one of five chances (at 
most) in your entire lifetime that you'll see Mars so clearly."


In other words, go out and enjoy the view ... but don't be fooled 
(disappointed) by the hype.

Ron