After a two-year absence, Mars is back in the evening sky and growing larger, brighter and closer during the month of October. This month the public is invited to view Mars and a variety of other celestial objects at Minnesota State Mankato's Standeford Observatory.
Mars will appear largest on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29, and brightest at its opposition on Monday, Nov. 7.
The observatory will be open on clear October evenings Monday through Thursday from 8-11 p.m. Initially, Mars will be visible by about 9:30 p.m. A final Mars public viewing is planned at Standeford on Friday, Oct. 28, from 8-10 p.m. If the sky is not sufficiently clear, the public viewing session will be cancelled.
Standeford Observatory is at the eastern edge of the field south of Gage Towers on the Minnesota state Mankato campus. Visitors should park at the southern end of Gage parking lot No. 1, walk through the pedestrian gate, and turn to the left, walking east along the road to Standeford Observatory. (Visitors with special needs should contact Disability Services at 507-389-2825.)
If weather makes viewing uncertain, local residents may phone Standeford Observatory (389-6208) during the evening to inquire about sky conditions. Additionally, a sign on the gate at the end of lot No. 1 will indicate whether the observatory is open.
Those who want more information can view the Minnesota State Mankato astronomy website at http://www.mnsu.edu/astro.
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