Mars attracts viewers at VSU

Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, July 31, 2018

VALDOSTA — Mars was at its closest view to Earth last weekend, so the Valdosta State University Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences rolled out the telescopes. 

It’s called Mars at opposition, and it only happens every 17 years, said Martha Leake, VSU professor of astronomy and physics.

When at opposition, Earth is between Mars and the sun, and the red planet showcases its best views to observers down on Earth.

Leake and her department put the event together from 9:30-11 p.m. Friday and Monday.

“When things are closer, they look a little larger in the telescope,” Leake said.

The free event Friday invited more than 100 guests, mostly families with young children, to the rooftop of Nevins Hall. About 50 people visited Monday night.

Several telescopes lined the rooftop with guests able to view Mars, the moon, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter.

Though the night was dedicated to Mars, Shane Joseph, a rising fourth grader at Moulton-Branch Elementary School, was there to see the gas giant Jupiter.

“Jupiter is my favorite,” Joseph said. “It has a big hurricane, and it’s a gas giant. It’s so amazing.”

Clouds affected the sight of Mars both nights at the beginning of the event.

Leake said the clouds eventually moved away for some viewers to see all planets before the event ended. Saturn was a crowd favorite both nights.

Leake said the department has more events planned at its popular planetarium; the calendar will soon be posted on the VSU website.

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.