the essential
Currently at its closest distance from Earth, the planet Mars benefits from good observation conditions. The Balcony of the Stars, in Latrape, south of Toulouse, invites you to take advantage of its facilities to capture all its beauty.
The Balcony of Stars, an observatory located in the village of Latrape (40 km south of Toulouse) is offering a special planet Mars evening this Saturday, January 18 from 5 p.m.
Mythical planet of the solar system, 230 million kilometers from the Sun on average, Mars currently benefits from exceptional observation conditions which must be taken advantage of. The astronomers from the Balcony of the Stars speak of “its bright red, visible in the early evening, very high in the sky, on the eastern horizon in the constellation Gemini”. This height makes it easier to observe, especially since it is currently closest to the Earth, 96 million kilometers away and in perfect opposition to the Sun, a phenomenon that occurs every two years.
Volcanoes, craters, polar caps
During this special evening, connections with the observatories of Reunion and Cayenne will make it possible to precisely assess the position of Mars in the sky. Then it's time to discover, through a telescope, its largest volcanoes and craters or even its polar caps. The program also plans to discuss with visitors the satellites of Mars, exploration and travel programs and many other secrets of this planet through quizzes, slideshows and a planetarium session.
