The Hallstrom Planetarium at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce will host telescopic views of Mars 23 July 31, during the perihelic opposition of the red planet – the point in its orbit when it is closest to the sun (perihelion) and occurring when the Earth pbades (opposition).

At this time, the Earth is millions of miles away as usual, resulting in expanded viewing opportunities.

The CIHR "Mars Watch" is presented in conjunction with the Treasure Coast Astronomical So ciety, whose members, along with Jon U. Bell, Director of Hallstrom Planetarium, will set up their telescopes every night next to the Planetarium on the main campus of CIHR, one block south of the intersection of Virginia Ave. "

" A celestial object that opposes rises from east to sunset, is the highest in the sky at midnight and sets at sunrise, "Bell said. "In other words, we are as close as possible and we are able to watch it all night."

Being so close, Bell notes, allows viewers to get detailed views of Martian features.

During a perihelian opposition, it is possible to see some of its mountains and valleys, seemingly quite fuzzy, but enough to suggest the intersecting lines that were noted at another time. event of this type in the late 19th century. (The last great views of Mars were in 2003, when the Earth exceeded it to less than 35 million miles.)

Viewing will take place from 8 pm. until 10 pm, weather permitting, from July 23rd to 31st; the set up starts at 19:30. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring garden chairs and bring their own telescopes, which club members and Bell will help locate Mars

In addition, the telescopes will be directed to the Jupiter and Saturn planets, plus the moon, which will be full on July 27. The full moon and Mars will be in conjunction in the constellation Capricorn – and the opposition that night

To learn more about perihelian opposition or to get more information about the events March, please contact Jon Bell, Director of the CIHR Planetarium at [email protected]. or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/specialty-publications/your-news/indian-river-county/2018/07/18/hallstrom-planetarium-hosting-mars-watch/795138002/ [19659017] [ad_2]
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