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For release: 08/15/03
Satellite release #: 03-138
Attention: Early Morning Producer
Friday, Aug. 22
5-8:45 a.m. EDT
Free 10-minute windows--with B-roll
Once-in-a-lifetime celestial show coming Aug. 27! Mars approaches earth at its closest point in 60,000 years
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Mars will be closer to Earth Aug. 27 than it has been in nearly 60,000 years — a mere 35 million miles (56 million kilometers) — when it lines up with the Earth on the same side of the Sun.
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You don't have to be an astronomer to see the show. The "red planet" will be brighter than ever and easily visible in the late night or early morning skies.
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Mars is currently three times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star of the night sky.
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It will be so bright you might be able to see it even after the Sun comes up.
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The celestial event won't occur again until the year 2287.
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Talk to an expert about the best ways to see Mars and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
| Who: |
Dr. Mitzi Adams
Astronomer
Marshall Space Flight Center |
| Satellite coordinates: |
AMC-9, Transponder 9C,
85 degrees west longitude,
Frequency: 3880 MHz, Audio: 6.8 MHz. |
| Contacts: |
Satellite Interview Information:
Jack Robertson (256) 544-1517
Story Information:
Steve Roy, Media Relations
(256) 544-0034
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Visit the Marshall News Center for news media.
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Contact
Steve Roy
Public Affairs Office
(256) 544-0034
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E-mail
Get releases sent directly to you!
Contact:
Betty Humphery
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