Stargazers gather to see Mars
Some of the largest portable telescopes in the country will be assembled in Dublin’s Phoenix Park today to give budding astronomers the chance to see the surface of Mars.
Astronomy Ireland said it will also be setting up telescopes at various venues across the country, in Cork, Clare, Donegal, Louth and Tipperary.
Mars is now closer to Earth than at any time until 2016.
“At only 108 million km distance, this is an ideal time to view surface detail on the planet,” said David Moore, Astronomy Ireland chairman.
“In particular, Syrtis Major, a large, dark, triangular feature on the surface of Mars, will be visible on the night.
“Syrtis Major is Mars’ equivalent to Africa on Earth so don’t miss this opportunity to see the surface of another planet.”
All watches begin at 8pm. Full details are available on www.astronomy.ie.
