Mars, Perseid meteors and Astronomy Week 2003

This month is a busy month for all stargazers. Our annual appointment with the Perseid meteor shower has arrived again. The public is invited to join in our observations on Tuesday at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha (near the chapel). After that, the red planet Mars comes closest ever to the Earth in the past 60,000 years. Many have already recognised it as the fiery red 'star' in the east, rising at around 9.30 p.m. Closest approach will be on August 27, at a distance of 56 million kilometres from the Earth. For a stunning view make sure you attend any of the free public observing sessions which shall be organised during the annual Astronomy Week. Full details are found below.

Space fact of the month

Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who proposed that the Earth orbits the Sun, was born on February 19, 1473 - 528 years ago!

The Astronomical Society of Malta publishes a monthly newsletter and a quarterly journal. Numerous lectures and observations are held throughout the year. To become a member or for further information write to the society at PO Box 174, Valletta CMR 01.

We are also online at www.geocities.com/maltastro
ap@maltanet.net