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is Approaching! |
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Currently the apparent size of Mars is about 25
arcseconds (the apparent size of a dime at 500 feet). As the Earth moves farther away from
Mars over the next months, Mars will appear to get smaller and smaller. At its most
distant, Mars has an apparent size of only 4 arcseconds.
Image taken 8/21/03 at the University at Albany by C. Gino. |
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On
August 27, 2003 Mars will be closer to the Earth than it has been in nearly 60,000 years!
To commemorate this astronomical happening, the Dudley Observatory will team up with the
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University at Albany, the Schenectady
Museum, the Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers
to present talks and host a public observing session. |
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Current Mars
Events |
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August 27
Wednesday
2:00 PM |
The Schenectady Museum
Planetarium will present a talk about the "Red Planet". This slide program will
be presented in the Museum's auditorium by Planetarium Manager Steve Russo, and will take
a look at past discoveries, the current exploration and the possible future manned
landings on the planet. This event is free of charge. ** UPDATE ** The
Mars lecture scheduled for 2:00 PM may be repeated several times throughout the afternoon
due to popular demand. Call the Museum for updated schedules.
The Schenectady Museum is located on Nott Terrace Heights in
Schenectady.
For directions see:
http://www.schenectadymuseum.org/visitors.html
For further information, contact Steve Russo at (518) 382-7890 x 253
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August 27
Wednesday
8:00 PM |
The Dudley Observatory
and the University at Albany will hold a public observing of the planet Mars through the
University's 16-inch telescope located on the roof of the Earth Science building near
Washington Avenue (plenty of parking will be available). Additional telescopes operated by
members of the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers and Dudley Observatory Rising Star Interns
will be located on the ground floor and the rooftop to observe Mars as well. Mars viewing
will not begin until sometime after 9:00 PM, when it rises high enough above the eastern
horizon to be seen, but come early! Beginning at 8:00 PM computer presentations about Mars
will be shown, a small sample of a Martian meteorite will be available for visitors to
look at under a microscope, and sketches of Mars made by Dudley Observatory astronomer
O.H. Landreth during the 1877 opposition of Mars will be on display. In addition, visitors
will be given Dudley Observatory Star Clocks and Sky Maps and instructed on their use. For
the duration of the event, staff from the Dudley Observatory, Schenectady Museum
Planetarium, the University at Albany and the Henry Hudson Planetarium will be present to
answer questions about the "Red Planet". This event is free of charge. The
University at Albany is located at 1400 Washington Avenue in Albany. For general
information call 442-3300. Driving directions:
From the South: I-87 (Thruway) to Exit 24; I-90 East to Exit 2;
cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive.
From the West: I-90 (Thruway) to Exit 24; I-90 East to Exit 2; cross
Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive.
From the North: I-87 (Northway) to Exit 1; I-90 East to Exit 2;
cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive.
From the East: I-90 West to Exit 2; left onto Fuller Road; left onto
Washington Avenue; first right onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive.
A map of the surrounding area is available at
the following web address: http://www.albany.edu/about_the_university/maps/
A map of the campus is available at the following web address: http://www.albany.edu/about_the_university/maps/upfull/uptownfull.html
You will find the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences building and the State Quad parking lot
(where free parking is available for the event) in the upper right corner of the map. On
the evening of the event, signs will be posted around campus directing visitors to the
Earth Sciences building.
In the event of cloudy
weather, the telescope observing will be cancelled, but all other activities will take
place as scheduled. |
| Additional Links:
Department of Earth and
Atmospheric Sciences, UAlbany
University at Albany Press Release
Albany
Area Amateur Astronomers
View images of Mars taken at the University at Albany Observatory on
August 19, 21 and 27 2003
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August 25 - 29
Monday - Friday
1:00 - 2:30 PM |
The Henry Hudson Planetarium, an
official NASA Space Place, will be having planetarium shows at 1:00 PM followed by
activities featuring Mars and the stars. Prices are $4.50 for adults and $3.00 for
children, students and seniors. The planetarium show schedule is as follows:
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Monday, August 25
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
Thursday, August 28
Friday, August 29 |
Through the Eye of Hubble
The Little Star That Could
Planet Patrol
Galaxies
Planet Patrol |
The Henry Hudson Planetarium is located in the the Albany
Heritage Area Visitors Center at historic Quackenbush Square (corner of Broadway and
Clinton Avenue). There is free parking in the Visitors Center lot behind the building
accessible via Spencer Street.
For more information call (518) 434-0405 or visit
http://www.albany.org
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