STEPHEN
Welcome to Idaho Skies for
the weekend of November 8th. We’re your hosts, Stephen…
BENJAMIN
…and Benjamin.
STEPHEN
The Red Planet recently traveled
to the other side of the sun from our perspective. That means it now reappears
as a morning planet. So stargazers looking for Mars need to check out the low
south-southeast sky at around 6:30 AM. However, don’t be surprised to by the
faintness of Mars.
BENJAMIN
Mars is 230 million miles away. In
addition, the planet has a dark surface that only reflects 29% of the sunlight
shining on it. That means the small, dark, and distant Mars is decidedly faint
these days. But that will change over the next two years. Earth and Mars are in
a cosmic race. And Earth will soon catch up to and pass Mars.
STEPHEN
Astronomical events like this are
called oppositions. They’re the times when two planets are their closest
together. As a result, the planets are larger and brighter than usual. In fact,
Mars will be 15 times bright in October 2020 than it is now. By the way,
oppositions make good times to launch spacecraft to Mars.
BENJAMIN
Mars is not large enough for binocular
viewing, even at opposition. However, observers using amateur telescopes may be
able to see the surface features on the red planet. These features include clouds
on Mars’ largest volcano, Olympus Mons and other exotic-sounding locations like
Syrtis Major.
STEPHEN
That’s Idaho Skies
for the weekend of November 8th.
BENJAMIN
Be sure to read our blog for additional information.
It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com
For Idaho Skies this is Benjamin…
STEPHEN
…and Stephen.
BENJAMIN
Dark skies and bright
stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment