OPPOSITION MARS: Planet's closest swing in 15 years



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STARGAZERS and astronomy enthusiasts get ready.

This month, Mars will move by land on July 27 to its shortest distance in 15 years.

This is an event known as the opposition of Mars.

The last time the planets arrived at this point, it was in 2003, when observers had a clear overview of the polar ice caps and Martian Earth formations.

The owner and astronomer of the Kingaroy Observatory, James Barclay, said that this period would be even more spectacular, although it depends on the purity of the dust storms of the Martian planet.

"Until the dust storm swirling around the planet for a month goes by, everyone can guess how it will appear," Barclay said.

While Mars will be near, it is still 54,700,000 km from Earth.

Unfortunately, if you do not have a telescope, the planet will simply appear as a bright star in the sky.

But if you have access to a telescope, Jupiter and Saturn will also be visible.

The same night, a lunar eclipse will take place, but because of the timing, it will not be visible on the east side of Australia.

The Kingaroy Observatory holds a special event, allowing astronomers to look through the powerful telescopes of the observatory.

Various slots are on offer as well as a two hour show.

Call 4164 5595 or visit www.kingaroyobservatory.com for more information.

Mars Facts

  • Mars is the fourth planet of the sun and is significantly smaller than the earth.
  • It takes 687 days to Mars to orbit the sun, traveling at an average speed of 24km / s
  • makeup contains 96% carbon dioxide, 2% argon, 2% d & # 39; Nitrogen and 1% of others
  • On March, you would have 62.5% less gravity than you usually have.

Source: NASA

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