EXTREME MARS-JUPITER CONJUNCTION
Wednesday 14 August from 3:30am to 5am CDT
No admission fee. For all ages.
Binocular strongly recommended.
ABOUT THE CONJUNCTION
Periodically two bright object in the sky will get close together from our point of view here on Earth. This event is called a conjunction and can involve the Moon and a planet, the Moon and a star, two planets, or a planet and a star. Mars and Jupiter conjunct a number of times over a human lifetime; however some conjunction are closer than others. From 6 August to 14 August, the two planets will be seen closer and closer to each other. On the morning of 14 August, Mars and Jupiter will be less than a half-degree apart!
RULES AND REGULATIONS
*No white lights are allowed. White light destroys night vision. Please keep headlights off. Please outfit your white flashlights with red construction paper, a red stretch balloon, red cellophane (several layers may be needed to make the light suitably dim) or a thin coat of red nail polish. Please do not use a camera flash upstairs in the dome or outside at the viewing pads without permission from the telescope operators.
*Blankets and lawn chairs are only allowed in the designated viewing area on the southwest side of the main building. You and your group may not use a isolated or secluded area away from everyone else. Please check in at the front desk beforehand. Please do not lie or sit on any concrete (viewing pad or sidewalk). If the ground is moist, bring a tarp or any fabric that can get dirty.
*If a telescope is not in operation, please do not handle it in any way. If a telescope is in operation, please wait until it’s your turn and place your eye to the eyepiece without touching the telescope.
*No glass containers are allowed.
*Pets and animals must remain under control and on a leash at all times.
*Please do not curse or use profane language.
*Litter and refuse are to be placed in proper receptacles.
*Running is not allowed outside at night, or inside at any time.
*Loud music is not allowed. Use headphones or earbuds; nearby people should not be able to hear it.
*Food and drink are allowed outside, and inside on the main floor, but not in either telescope dome or on either telescope pad.
*Alcohol and smoking are not allowed.
*As with all nights, there is no remaining on HRPO property after the public program is concluded.