Deb, I hope you will also mark on your calendar the next Mars Opposition on November 7th, 2005. Though Mars will only be 20.1 arc seconds -about 80% of its current diameter- it also will be nearly 32 degrees further north during this apparition. For those of us near 40 degrees North latitude that will place Mars nicely at about 65 degrees altitude in the sky. Think of how high Delphinus, the Hyades, or the body of Leo appear in the sky and that will give you a pretty good idea. Now, of course, if we could make it to Key West or Hawaii we'd have a beautiful shot of Mars at 80-85 degrees above the horizon. Nearly at the zenith! I'm already thinking how cold it is in Utah (or Flagstaff...bbrrrrr) in November. Maui, here I come! Here's to many a healthy Mars Opposition for you...and for us all. Aloha, Dave Bennett P.S. If Rich Tenney's friend Rob should read this; I just may take you up on your gracious offer. The vanilla macadamia coffee sounds just too good to refuse. Mahalo, Dave "I am Agathodaemon and my vineyards are watered by the rising tide of Tithonius" On Tuesday, Sep 2, 2003, at 20:20 US/Mountain, UTAHDEB@aol.com wrote:

This is the first year I saw detail on Mars. I'm going to make sure I stay healthy for the 2018 and 2035 oppositions. Hopefully my eyes will still be good.

Debbie

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