On August 27th Mars will reach its closest approach to earth in 59,619 years. Several weeks on either side of this date, Mars will be a beacon in the sky outshining everything except the Moon. Mars is the only planet on which you can actually see surface details.

The Astronomy Club of Tulsa and Oxley Nature Center will be co-hosting a free public Mars Watch 2003 at the John Oxley Polo Grounds in Mohawk Park on September 5th and 6th from dusk until 11PM. This will be a great chance for the public to see Mars up close and view the dark terrain, white polar caps, possible dust storms, volcanoes, and other features the planet will reveal.

The Moon and many deep sky objects such as galaxies and star clusters will also be visible.

Dozens of telescopes will be on hand for people to look through, and handouts on Mars, Astronomy Club of Tulsa, Oxley Nature Center, and the Planetary Society will be available.

For more details or interest in covering this event please contact

David Stine (918) 748-0021 or Donna Horton (918) 669-6644

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