Physics Department To Provide Mars Viewings Through Telescopes
by Judy Long Mars is still within peak viewing range, and Baylor
University's physics department will provide opportunities to
view it through telescopes from 9 to 11 p.m., Sept. 3-4, if
skies are clear. Two telescopes pointed toward the red planet
will be set up on the roof of the Baylor marina. Viewing will be
repeated next week if weather permits. Mars currently is
positioned 34 to 35 million miles from earth and will not be
this close again for 200 years. The two planets' orbits have not
brought them this close together in 60,000 years. Mars is
earth's closest neighbor in the solar system besides our moon
and its red coloration comes from iron oxide--rust--on the
surface. Physics professor Dwight Russell said cloudy skies and
atmospheric disturbance obstructed much of last week's
opportunity to observe our closest celestial neighbor beyond the
moon, but that Mars will remain close enough for excellent
viewing through the first half of Septembe