Denison's Swasey Observatory

GRANVILLE -- Denison University's Swasey Observatory will host an open house on Saturday (Aug. 16) from 9 to 11 p.m. to view the closest approach of Mars in the last 100,000 years. Astronomers (and retired Denison physics faculty) Sandy Yorka and Michael Mickelson along with David Green, Denison class of 2000, will assist with viewing the planet. Green will also present a discussion on our latest knowledge of the presence of water on Mars past and present.

Mars rises at 9:27 p.m. and should be visible above the trees sometime after 10 p.m. At this time, the Red Planet will be approximately 56,000,000 km (or 35,000,000 miles) from the Earth and except for the Moon, will be the brightest object in the sky that evening at around -2.9 magnitudes. This close approach of Mars is about as good as it gets for telescopic observers. The last opposition of Mars in June 2001 disappointed telescopic observers because details of the planet's surface were obscured by a global dust storm covering 80% of its surface, lasting for many months.

Swasey Observatory is located adjacent to Swasey Chapel and there is parking immediately behind the Observatory.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575