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Mars: Humanity’s Favorite Planet

Did you know that this October, Mars will be closer to Earth than it will be for any time in the next 15 years? Have you noticed that Mars has increased in brightness all year, and is now about forty times brighter than a year ago? Are you aware that Earth has had more missions to Mars fail than to all other…

Comets! and the Planets in September

Did you see Comet NEOWISE as it flew by the Earth over the past few months? Did you notice that it seemed to be flying “backward” as it passed the Big Dipper? Have you been watching Jupiter and Saturn moving side-by-side through Sagittarius in the evening skies? Did you know that Mars is nearing its closest Earth approach when it will be…

Virtual Astronomy Night Monday, August 31

Image of comet NEOWISE over Lake Huron in Greenbush, Michigan

Join us virtually on Monday, August 31 as we learn about comets! Dr. Edmund Stark of MSU St. Andrews will provide an engaging presentation focused on comets: what they are, where they come from, how they have appeared throughout history, and why they behave as they do! Visit the event page for full details and Zoom sign-on information. Photo credit Sherri Yezbick-Taylor…

How to See Comet NEOWISE Before It Disappears

Image of Comet NEOWISE north of the MBS International Airport in Freeland, Michigan

Did you know that a really special comet has just entered the evening sky? NEOWISE had been approaching the sun in the morning sky over the past month. It has just emerged from behind the sun (closest approach on July 3) and has now entered evening skies for residents of the northern hemisphere. It will reach its closest point to Earth during…