Two events will be interesting for observers:
In August and September, Mars will come closer to the Earth than he has been for the last 2000 years. In a close opposition (as this year), Mars can approach the Earth up to slightly less than 56 million km. In less favorable oppositions, Mars is sometimes more than 100 million km. to Earth, at its closest approach. This means that in 2003, Mars will be about 5 times as bright than in the least favorable oppositions.
Two total lunar eclipses, both observable from Europe and the entire American continent. One on May 15/16, one on Nov. 8/9. More details at a later date.
Regards,
Hilmar.
Difference in opinions hath cost many millions of lives: for instance, whether flesh be bread, or bread be flesh; whether whistling be a vice or a virtue; whether it be better to kiss a post, or throw it into the fire... (from Gulliver's Travels)
