Ask an Astronomer: Mars and the Moon on August 27

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the visibility of Mars adjacent to the Moon on August 27, including the implications of their relative distances and apparent sizes in the sky. Participants explore misconceptions related to this astronomical event.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of Mars appearing adjacent to the Moon, citing the significant distance difference between the two celestial bodies.
  • Another participant references a recurring hoax about Mars appearing as large as the Moon, suggesting that the current discussion may be related to this misinformation.
  • A third participant emphasizes that Mars is currently on the opposite side of the Sun, far from Earth, and clarifies that it is not near opposition, which would affect its visibility.
  • One participant expresses relief at having their understanding validated, indicating a personal connection to the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the idea of Mars appearing as large as the Moon is based on misconceptions and misinformation. However, the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the upcoming visibility of Mars and the Moon.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference past events and misunderstandings related to Mars' visibility, indicating a historical context of confusion that may influence current perceptions.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, individuals interested in celestial events, and those seeking clarification on common astronomical misconceptions may find this discussion relevant.

stevmg
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On August 27 we are supposed to see Mars adjacent to the Moon about 1 - 2 AM so it looks like this picture.

Doesn't make sense. Mars is 37 million miles away while the moon is 1/4 million miles away. That makes the subtended arcs in a 75:1 ratio Moon:Mars (because Mars is twice the diameter of the moon.)

Any comments from anyone?
 

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Ugh, I can't believe this is coming back again. Mars isn't even anywhere near opposition right now - it is on the other side of the sun from us, some 200 million miles away.

About 7 years ago (August, 2003), Mars was closer than it usually gets - by a few percent - and it was probably due to some, some sloppy reporter misunderstanding an astronomer when told that Mars would look as big through an amatuer telescope as the Moon does to the naked eye.

http://www.snopes.com/science/astronomy/brightmars.asp
 
Muchas Gracias!

I thought I was right...

stevmg
 

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