Astronomy Evening, Friday, May 27/No Reply, answer  directly spacemandc@gmail.com

We have a great opportunity to see the three biggest “planetary crowd pleasers” – marvelous Mars, gigantic Jupiter and stunning Saturn – this coming Friday evening, May 27, during this time of an opposition of the earth and Mars. What this means is that the earth and Mars will be in a direct line with the sun and, so, will be at their closest approach to one another in their respective orbits around the sun. This in turn, means that this is the best time for us earthlings to get a good look at our closest planetary neighbor (and maybe even for us to take a quick trip over there – or for the Martians to take a quick trip over here! Think about that…). Here is a link for more detailed info. What’s more, Mar’s planetary brothers, Jupiter and Saturn, will also be on splendid display in the same night sky, so, we will be treated to a real celestial “triple header!”

The exact opposition of the earth and Mars will actually take place on May 22, but, that date won’t be such a good one to observe the “Red Planet” as there will be a slightly waning full moon (also known as a “Blue Moon”) in the sky that same night which will “wash out” Mars and the other planets. But, Mars will still remain in good opposition – and close view – to the earth for the next couple of months to come, so, I’ll go out to the desert this coming Friday evening to set up the ENHG’s 5 inch/130 cm (magnifying mirror) telescope and my own 8 inch/203 cm to have a good “close up” look at Mars and his other 2 “planetary buddies.”

For those who would like to join me in taking in this “planetary splendor,” meet-up time will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 27, at the ADNOC station on the Airport Road highway (E-20) heading out of Abu Dhabi just before the turnoff (on the left) for the airport. The number of participants will be limited to the first 20 persons who send me an RSVP (include your mobile phone number) at spacemandc@gmail.com. Efforts will be made to find rides for those who need one. For those who make the list, remember that it will be hot, so, bring something liquid to keep yourself hydrated, and a comfy folding camp chair to lounge on between peeks through the telescopes. This "star party" should last about 2 - 3 hours and "break-up" at about 11:00 p.m. 

May you have dark skies (the standard greeting of all amateur astronomers),