Menu
27/08/2003
Mars approaches for Earth close encounter
Mars and Earth will approach each other for their closest pass in 59,000 years this evening, making the Red Planet the third brightest object in the night sky, outshone only by the Moon and Venus.
The BBC’s 'Sky at Night' presenter Sir Patrick Moore said Mars could be found easily as it would so bright in the south at midnight, it could not be mistaken.
Slightly earlier tonight at 10.50pm the Earth and Mars will be at their closest point for 59,000 years as the elliptical orbital path of the two planets take them to separation of just 35 million miles (56 million km) in one of the closest encounters of the two planets.
Mars will be visible for several weeks and some surface features, such as the planet’s southern ice cap, should be visible to anyone equipped with a small telescope.
Viewed from the UK, Mars which actually appears more orange in colour due to the earth's atmosphere, should be highly visible low in the southern sky close to the constellation of Capricornus.
Taking advantage of the particularly favourable planetary alignment, NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japanese space agencies have four missions en route to the Red Planet.
The ESA orbiter-lander Mars Express carrying the Beagle 2, some 32 million km from the Red Planet, is almost halfway to its rendezvous with Mars following its six-month journey.
The Mars Express orbiter blaster off on June 2 this year and Beagle 2 lander is expected to touchdown on the surface on December 25.
(SP)
The BBC’s 'Sky at Night' presenter Sir Patrick Moore said Mars could be found easily as it would so bright in the south at midnight, it could not be mistaken.
Slightly earlier tonight at 10.50pm the Earth and Mars will be at their closest point for 59,000 years as the elliptical orbital path of the two planets take them to separation of just 35 million miles (56 million km) in one of the closest encounters of the two planets.
Mars will be visible for several weeks and some surface features, such as the planet’s southern ice cap, should be visible to anyone equipped with a small telescope.
Viewed from the UK, Mars which actually appears more orange in colour due to the earth's atmosphere, should be highly visible low in the southern sky close to the constellation of Capricornus.
Taking advantage of the particularly favourable planetary alignment, NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japanese space agencies have four missions en route to the Red Planet.
The ESA orbiter-lander Mars Express carrying the Beagle 2, some 32 million km from the Red Planet, is almost halfway to its rendezvous with Mars following its six-month journey.
The Mars Express orbiter blaster off on June 2 this year and Beagle 2 lander is expected to touchdown on the surface on December 25.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2003
UK's key role in ESA Mars mission hailed
UK industry and scientific know-how is playing a key role in the search for life on the red planet. Science Minister Lord Sainsbury today said that UK engineering and scientific expertise was essential to Europe's historic mission to find life on Mars.
UK's key role in ESA Mars mission hailed
UK industry and scientific know-how is playing a key role in the search for life on the red planet. Science Minister Lord Sainsbury today said that UK engineering and scientific expertise was essential to Europe's historic mission to find life on Mars.
02 June 2003
Mars Express set to make European first
With final checks underway, the first venture to Mars by the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to launch later today. Constructed on a shoestring budget, the spacecraft, which includes the British-built Mars lander Beagle 2, has been built in record time.
Mars Express set to make European first
With final checks underway, the first venture to Mars by the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to launch later today. Constructed on a shoestring budget, the spacecraft, which includes the British-built Mars lander Beagle 2, has been built in record time.
19 December 2003
Beagle 2 lander separates from orbiter module
The European Space Operations Centre has confirmed that the Beagle 2 lander successfully separated from the orbiter at around 11.15GMT on Friday December 19. The ESA announced that the Mars Express spacecraft had "flawlessly released" the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on June 2 this year.
Beagle 2 lander separates from orbiter module
The European Space Operations Centre has confirmed that the Beagle 2 lander successfully separated from the orbiter at around 11.15GMT on Friday December 19. The ESA announced that the Mars Express spacecraft had "flawlessly released" the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on June 2 this year.
11 July 2003
Hubble maps 13-billion-year-old planet
The oldest planet ever discovered in the universe – a 13-billion-year-old Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a sun-like star 5,600 light years away – has been mapped by Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope. However, it is "very improbable" that the planet ever hosted life.
Hubble maps 13-billion-year-old planet
The oldest planet ever discovered in the universe – a 13-billion-year-old Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a sun-like star 5,600 light years away – has been mapped by Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope. However, it is "very improbable" that the planet ever hosted life.
23 January 2004
Mars Express finds water in polar cap
Mars Express, the European Space Agency’s first mission to Mars, has revealed evidence of not only carbon dioxide ice but also water ice in the region of the planet's southern polar ice cap.
Mars Express finds water in polar cap
Mars Express, the European Space Agency’s first mission to Mars, has revealed evidence of not only carbon dioxide ice but also water ice in the region of the planet's southern polar ice cap.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
