The Mars opposition of 2003 is an astronomical event to be savored, but under no circumstances missed. Not in 59,620 years has Mars approached Earth so closely, and if you miss it, you will need to wait 284 years for another opportunity as good as this one.

Mars is a difficult planetary target for amateur astronomers due to its relatively small size. Since it typically presents a smaller apparent size than either Jupiter or Saturn, it is a challenge to see much detail on its surface. Huge duststorms sometimes further obstruct our view of the surface. At this opposition, Mars will grow to an apparent size similar to Jupiter.

In conjunction with the University of Denver Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Denver Astronomical Society will celebrate this unique opposition with a public open house at Chamberlin Observatory. At this free event, the historic Clark refractor telescope will be available for viewing Mars, as will numerous telescopes belonging to Society mem

Please note that Mars rises later in the evening than is usual for Denver Astronomical Society events. Although we usually like to setup our telescopes before dark, the best viewing of Mars will be later in the evening. Due to the low viewing angle, the Chamberlin Observatory dome will not open to the public before 10:00 pm. Mars will reach the highest point in the sky at 1:13 am.

Also note that as Observatory Park is part of the Denver Park system, the lawn sprinklers have been known to turn on unexpectedly. Members are advised to bring waterproof sheets to throw over their equipment at a moment's notice.

Finally, be advised that rest room facilities are quite limited south of the Observatory. Other facilities are to be found north of the Observatory and across Warren street.

This website is offered by the Denver Astronomical Society as a one stop entrance to a wide assortment of information resources about Mars, and also includes examples of work by amateur astronomers. As the technology available to the amateur astronomer improves, the achievements of the amateur continue to make impresssive gains.

Suggestions are very welcome, both for this site, and for special events. If you want your own events listed on our calendar, we'll be happy to oblige.