You read that right. 73,000 years.

On August 27, Mars will be closer to Earth than it has been in 73,000 years. What can we say, except – WOW.

Throughout August, September and October, Challenger Space Center StarLab Planetarium shows and monthly Stargazing events will focus on the celestial dance currently occurring between Earth and the fabled Red Planet.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, STARLAB INDOOR PLANETARIUM: Inside the StarLab Indoor Planetarium, stargazers are transported into a night sky environment perfect for studying the stars, the moon, constellations, planets, deep space objects, celestial coordinates, the seasons, multicultural folklore/mythology, and much more. The focus of this month’s shows will be Mars and the Milky Way.

Shows are at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm. StarLab admission price is $4 per person, which is in addition to admission to the Challenger Center. General admission to the Center is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and children ages 6–18; free for children under age 6. Challenger members are free.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, FAMILY FUN NIGHT FEATURING STARGAZING: On Saturday evening, August 16, Family Fun Night featuring Stargazing begins with family activities at 6:30 pm. Several high-powered telescopes are set up, and the Stargazing show begins at 7:30 pm, with a slide presentation on the constellations and planets. This month’s focus will be Mars, Neptune, and Uranus. Attendees can look through several different high-powered telescopes at galaxies, nebula, the moon, planets, star clusters, etc. Since Mars is not truly visible until later in the evening, the telescopes will be kept open until 10:30 pm. Weather permitting, visitors can expect to see the polar ice caps and surface features of Mars. Stargazing is an outdoor program, so consider bringing a water bottle and lawn chairs or blankets. In case of inclement weather, an alternative program will be provided.

Cost: Stargazing is free WITH ADMISSION to the Center, which is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and children ages 6-18; free for children under age 6. Challenger members are free. Hot dogs, chips, and soda are an additional nominal fee. StarLab and Stargazing are presented at the Challenger Center by Tony and Carole LaConte of Stargazing for Everyone.

SPECIAL NOTE:
In memory of the 26th anniversary of the death of the King of Rock and Roll, on this night, and this night only, the constellation King Cepheus will be renamed King Elvis. 🙂