Dateline August 27, 2003

Between now and the end of August, Mars will brighten until it is the second-brightest object in the night sky, after the moon - six times brighter than normal.

Already Mars is spectacular - bright, steady and astonishingly red. Even amateur astronomers with backyard telescopes are reporting great views of such details as Mars' south polar cap, highly reflective because it is made of 'dry ice' (frozen water and carbon dioxide). Other markings are also visible and will become more so in coming days.

Astronomers call these close encounters "perihelic oppositions", which, in layman's terms, means that Mars is at its closest approach to the sun while the Earth is simultaneously located in a straight line between Mars and the sun.

Naysayers are pointing out that Mars was almost as close as it will be at the end of the month back in 1924, 1845 and 1766. But astronomy enthusiasts respond that while that may be true, this is still the best look that humanity has had at Mars since the days of the Neanderthals. "Even if, to a casual observer, it won't look any different than it may have in 1924, most of the world's casual observers weren't alive then to see it, and those that were didn't have access to the new technology."

Seeing as we can't expect Mars to be this close again till 2287, this is an opportunity too good to miss.

PLANET OF WAR LOOMS CLOSE

Dateline August 27, 2003

Astrologists are predicting uneasy times ahead as Mars, the planet of war, aggression, determination and independence passes closer to the Earth than it has in millennia. "This is the reason why we're seeing great global turmoil at the moment," one expert proclaimed at a recent astrologists convention. "This energy has been building up for several months in both worldly and personal areas."

In astrological terms August 27 is just about the midpoint date of the Mars station points since it goes retrograde July 29, at 3:38 AM EDT at 10 degrees 8 minutes of Pisces and direct September 27, at 3:53 AM EDT at 0 degrees 7 minutes of Pisces. Astrologers say that Mars is 60% stronger than usual in its force during the time of the station points.

Mars also rules construction, and it is still an unpropitious time for any type of building or remodeling. Those projects continuing under this period will proceed slowly and need additional work when Mars is no longer retrograde. Also, as Mars is currently transiting through Pisces, this will put feet under stress. Try to avoid high heels and postpone foot surgery where possible