| February 2004 | |
|
 Download this month's star chart! |
Mars Mania Redux
Last summer, Mars was big in the headlines because it was so close to Earth - only 35 million miles away - providing a fantastic view for astronomers around the world. Mars has since moved farther away from Earth, but now we're getting a far closer view - direct from the surface.
Unless you've been hiding under a Martian rock for the past month, you've undoubtedly heard about the twin Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) named Spirit and Opportunity, currently on the martian surface. If all goes as planned, each rover will spend a total of about 90 days driving to different locations, analyzing rocks and soil, monitoring the weather, and, of course, sending back tons of great pictures.
Compared to the 30 seconds on the nightly news, the internet is the best place to get the latest information and images from the MER rovers. You can also log onto NASA TV and watch the daily press briefings that feature updates on spacecraft health and the newest scientific discoveries.
And Spirit and Opportunity are not alone. Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and the European Space Agency's Mars Express are orbiting Mars and returning volumes of data and images. Together, they make quite a team.
What's Up Out There
For most of February, you'll have the opportunity to spot four planets all at once. (Five, if you count Earth!)
Exceedingly bright Venus is high in the west just after sunset. Venus is approaching what is called "greatest eastern elongation," which is a fancy astronomical term meaning that Venus will appear as far east of the Sun as it ever gets as seen from Earth. Greatest eastern elongation this year is March 29. Why is this interesting? Because it means that right now, under clear skies, Venus may actually be visible before sunset! It won't stand out against a bright blue sky, so it takes a little planning and preparation to know exactly where to look. Making sure the Sun is blocked from your view can also help. For hints and tips on viewing Venus in the daytime, visit www.fourmilab.ch/images/venus_daytime/
Even if you don't catch a daytime Venus, it's easy to find after sunset - it will be the brightest thing in the sky, other than the Moon.
As the sky continues to darken you'll be able to spot Mars, in the relatively dim constellation Pisces the Fish. Mars is not nearly as bright as it was over the summer, but it's the brightest object in that part of the sky.
Saturn, now in Gemini the Twins appears nearly straight overhead in the early evening during February. Meanwhile, Jupiter rises in the east, just south of the spring constellation Leo the Lion.
February Star Party
If you want to take a closer look at the planets, there will be a FREE public observing session at the model airplane field at Edwin Warner Park on Friday, February 13 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society (BSAS) will have telescopes available for viewing Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, plus other celestial sights.
It will probably be COLD, so be sure to dress warmly. Wear as many layers as you can stand. Make reservations by calling the Warner Park Nature Center at 615-352-6299.
Asteroid Hunter
Amateur astronomers can make real contributions to our knowledge of the universe!
Loren Ball has discovered more than 138 asteroids from his home observatory in Alabama using fairly basic equipment. He will present a program about his work to BSAS on Thursday evening, February 19 at 7:30 PM at the Adventure Science Center. Visitors are always welcome to attend. For more information about the Society, visit the website www.bsasnashville.com
.