Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums > Earth speeding toward an astral rendez-vous with M

Full Version: Earth speeding toward an astral rendez-vous with M

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Althalus

Jul 15 2003, 07:49 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Earth is speeding toward a rare astral rendez-vous with Mars, placing the two as close to each other as possible and giving amateur astronomers an unparalleled view of the Red Planet.

The two planets are racing toward each other at a rate of about 30 kilometers every five seconds, until they are as close as they ever can be on August 27.

The slightly elliptical curve of their orbits causes this rare meeting, which occurs only once every 60,000 years -- meaning Neanderthals were the last people to have such an up-close look at Mars.

More distant, but still close encounters are slightly more common. The most recent of those were in the months of August in 1924, 1845 and 1766.

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View: Full Article | Source: Yahoo News

Starlyte

Jul 15 2003, 02:42 PM

QUOTE

The slightly elliptical curve of their orbits causes this rare meeting, which occurs only once every 60,000 years -- meaning Neanderthals were the last people to have such an up-close look at Mars.

I wonder what the Neaderthals thought about the red dot in the sky that is Mars? I really look forward to this, and hope that I'll have a good view.

FreyKade

Jul 16 2003, 03:01 PM

me too

Lillian416

Jul 17 2003, 01:06 PM

Wait, so we will actually be able to see it?? Will we need a telescope, or will it be visible without one?? Thats really neat!

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