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Credit & Copyright: Mark Stronge
(EAAS)
Explanation:
Is that really another world?
Thousands of people the world over lined up last week to see
Mars through a telescope as the
red planet and
Earth passed unusually close
together in their orbits around the Sun.
Reviews of Mars were mixed, with some people disappointed that
Mars still appeared somewhat
blurry.
Veteran sky gazers appeared somewhat surprised by the
popularity of the phenomenon, as it seemed to many that
Mars was not very much brighter than it
frequently appears, and the event held little promise for
real discovery.
Most observers, though, appeared quietly pleased to take
advantage of a unique opportunity and see such an
uncommon site.
Many were awed by the simple
enormity of being able to see the face of a completely
different world with their own eyes.
Pictured above,
a youngster peered toward Mars last week at an
East Antrim Astronomical Society star party at the
Big Collin Picnic Area north of
Belfast,
Northern Ireland,
UK.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Mars
Publications with words: Mars
See also: