<VV> Fw: Mars not so Spectacular

[BBRT]

Mars not so SpectacularFolks, I screwed up!  One of my advisors, gently let me know snopes has checked this out.  Oh well.  Lesson to be learned. Always check first before I forward!

Chuck S
BBRT


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Brown, Douglas T CIV NAVAIR DEPT 
To: chsadek at adelphia.net 
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:24 AM
Subject: Mars not so Spectacular


Chuck, 

http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp has the true story on the Mars Spectacular.  

Quote: 
Although Mars' proximity to Earth in August 2003 (referred to as a perihelic opposition <http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/watchtheskies/18jun_approachingmars.html>) was a rare occurrence, the red planet comes almost as near to us every 15 to 17 years. To the unaided observer, Mars' appearance in August 2003 wasn't significantly larger or brighter than it is during those much more common intervals of closeness.

Mars will have another close encounter <http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/27may_approachingmars.htm> with Earth in in 2005, but that occurrence will take place in October (not August), and the red planet will appear about 20% smaller than it did during similar circumstances in 2003.

It's a good idea to always check Snopes.com before forwarding things that you may not be sure of.  

Toby