The Mars Party on August 27 was very well attended. Many people were unable to see planetarium shows or see Mars because there were so many people. To accomodate the interest, we are holding three additional Mars Viewing opportunities on Aug. 29, Sep. 5 and Sep. 6 from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. On September 5 and 6 we will also have our regularly scheduled planetarium show, Journey into the Living Cell at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
The Red Planet ,our next-door neighbor in the solar system, will be swinging by Earth on a trajectory that brings it closer than it has been in 60,000 years. Perhaps the greatest aspect of this close approach is the public interest in astronomy that has been generated. When people learn that this event has not occurred in 60,000 years, their attention is elevated. With a heightened interest in astronomy and Mars in particular, the Augusta Astronomy Club and the Dupont Planetarium will host a special star party on August 27, 2003.