Discussion Questions

Aired August 26, 2003

The planet Mars is orbiting closer to Earth this week than any time in nearly 60,000 years, offering amateur and professional astronomers unprecedented views of the Red Planet.

1. What planet will be closer to Earth this month than at any time in nearly 60,000 years? What features of Mars can be seen through a telescope at this point in time? When will this optimal viewing period for Mars end?

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2. Where is Mars located in relation to Earth and the sun? According to the video, how long would it take to drive from Earth to Mars at 70 miles an hour? How long will it be before Mars gets this close to Earth again?

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Related Links

CNN.com: Earth gears up for brush with Mars (http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/08/25/mars.closeup.ap/index.html)

CNN.com: Astronomer: 'This is our time to get Mars' (http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/08/24/cnna.eicher/index.html)

Keywords

Mars, Earth, astronomy, telescope, cryogenics, procrastinators, sun