It should have been a major event. We should have had lots of folks looking through telescopes at Mars just hours past its closest approach. We should have seen Syrtis Major when Mars first rose followed by Mare Serpentatis and Mare Erythreum. Of course all we saw was haze and clouds. I had planned to come over no matter what, just to chat with anyone who stopped by but as quarter to seven rolled around I just didn't have the heart to drive over.

What a miserable year for astronomy in southern New England. We have really been open only 23% of the Fridays so far. If every remaining Friday is clear we still won't make 40%.

I'll look forward to seeing you again when I am able.

-Les Coleman

Author:

Leslie Coleman

Entry Date:

Aug 29, 2003

Published Under:

Leslie Coleman's Log