[AstroNet] Close approach of Mars.

[Christian Hettlage]

Dear All,

The following email was sent to the Astronet list (but didn't get through).

Kind regards,

Christian

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 ROSELAND OBSERVATORY.
Our next big thing is Mars, coming to opposition end of the month. Every couple of years Mars comes close enough to Earth for astronomers to do something interesting!  The Observatory is working with John Clark based in Central England to measure the distance to the Red Planet. We will be using the original method of parallax. This was experiment first carried out by David Gill in 1877 on Ascension Island. This time around we will require images of the planet and nearby stars taken at the same time from a number of different locations across the globe. John is prepared to undertake the mathematical analysis or will provide the method for those wishing to do this themselves. We are asking for those groups and individuals who normally take images of stars and planets to contact the Observatory, we will then be able to provide you will all the detailed information. brians at roselandobservatory.com . Yes it has been done before but will provide schools and clubs an insight into measurement in astronomy. Of course it is quiet a challenge as well. www.johnclarkastronomy.co.uk & www.roselandobservatory.com
 
Brian Sheen
Member of the Royal Astronomical Society Education Focus Group.
 
 
 
 



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