Mars

[Kate Burchell]

Hi this is Kate. Hello everyone I am very glad to be here.

I am a teacher who was given information by an emailed PowerPoint that Mars will become much bigger and dramatic to see, in late August '09.

Without further ado I have taken it upon myself to suggest and coordinate an astronomy night at the Murringo Public School for us all to gaze at the stars and Mars.

Now I can't find any other information about the topic so I need to check my facts. I need help, please.

Because I met some amazing amateur astronomers while on a painting trip at Wee Jasper, who showed me a galaxy deep in space, who said I should join Ice In Space, this is where I begin. (I can see this journey could well take me into the next life, I think I have got into something deep that will not let go in a hurry.)

Can anyone put me on the right path about my Mars problem?

Kate.

[h0ughy]

yep the problem is that that is a mars hoax email.

[iceman]

Hi Kate

:welcome: to IceInSpace :)

I'll be the bearer of bad news - the Mars email is a hoax. Please see here:

Mars will NOT be as big as the full moon on August 27th (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-537-0-0-1-0.html)

So while a viewing night with the school is always a great idea, don't plan to observe Mars :) It's very tiny right now, and only visible in the pre-dawn sky.

Cheers

[stephenb]

Hi Kate and welcome to IIS,

Firstly, the Mars email and powerpoint presentation you received is a hoax. Discard it. This email does the rounds of the internet every year for the past 5 years or so. Here are some links to assist you:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=34971

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=44672

I could site a hundred links on the internet to confirm for you it is a hoax.

To the naked eye, Mars is about as bright as the brighter stars in the sky, albeit it may have a little red hue to it.

I'm sure other members will jump in here and provide you with some more links to show you what can be achieved with a telescope and imaging equipment.

Don't be embarrassed for asking, as a teacher, I'm sure you understand the ol' saying "there's no such thing as a stupid question".

[stephenb]

Mike and Geoff beat me by a minute, but Kate, don't let that put you off an observing night. There are still plenty of objects to look at which would be of interest.

Perhaps get in touch with a local Astronomical club in your area and they may be able to assist with some club members to arrange a viewing night at your school? Try here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/clublistings.html#NSW

hoo roo,

Stephen

[astro744]

Hi Kate,

Unfortunately the e-mail is a hoax. The next opposition of Mars is Jan 29, 2010 and it will be quite small even in a telescope at 200 power. The orbit of Mars is quite elliptical and the 2010 & 2012 oppositions are quite distant.

The e-mail is sent around the world every year and is quite annoying to say the least since it is of no help to the beginner astronomer.

Mars is currently in the morning sky near Venus and the Pleiades (7 Sisters). Around 4:30am is best. Mars is slowly making its way to the evening sky and opposition at which time it will rise when the Sun sets, ie. opposite side of the sky.

Get yourself Stellarium free software, set your position and look at the East Horizon and speed up the simulation (click on double arrow a few times slowly). You'll see Mars rise in the early morning.

Enjoy!
:)

[stephenb]

I agree with astro744, Stellarium is one of the best planetarium software packages on the internet. Perfect for beginners, it's simple to download and extremely easy to install and use. It is totally free and no licenses. Try here: http://www.stellarium.org/. (http://www.stellarium.org/)

You can then look at the position of Mars in the morning sky.

hoo roo,

Stephen

[Rod66]

Yes Stellairum is highly recommended. If you're thinking about late August, then you'll have an even better planet to look at, in my opinion - Jupiter. With a reasonable scope the views will astound, especially as its little moons are visible too.

Have Fun :)

Rod