YELLER CAT
06-24-2005, 02:24 PM
MARS, the Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its' orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 5.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10 PM and reach its azimuth at about 3 AM.
By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 AM. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Suggestion... Take your Kat out to a quiet, secluded spot and share this spectacular event with someone you LOVE... your spouse, children or grandchildren. Sitting in your Prowler with the top down, listening to your favorite songs and watching the TWO MOONS in the night sky makes for a memorable Prowlin' Adventure... next best thing to a drive-in movie!!!
Remember, NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN, so enjoy Prowlin' in the Moonlight... maybe several Kats will want to get together for making this special event even more special.
Owning a Prowler is all about FUN, FUN, FUN... nothing else!!!
Maybe Nancy and I will see y'all Prowlin' in the Moon Light,
Jay 8) 8) 8)
The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 5.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10 PM and reach its azimuth at about 3 AM.
By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 AM. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.
Suggestion... Take your Kat out to a quiet, secluded spot and share this spectacular event with someone you LOVE... your spouse, children or grandchildren. Sitting in your Prowler with the top down, listening to your favorite songs and watching the TWO MOONS in the night sky makes for a memorable Prowlin' Adventure... next best thing to a drive-in movie!!!
Remember, NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN, so enjoy Prowlin' in the Moonlight... maybe several Kats will want to get together for making this special event even more special.
Owning a Prowler is all about FUN, FUN, FUN... nothing else!!!
Maybe Nancy and I will see y'all Prowlin' in the Moon Light,
Jay 8) 8) 8)