August 19, 2003 :: No. 21
| What: |
Orange County residents will have a unique opportunity
to view the bright, red ball that is planet Mars from Cal State
Fullerton telescopes at the tranquil and rustic surroundings
of the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. |
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| When: |
Monday, Aug. 25, from 8-10 p.m. |
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| Where: |
The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the
end of Modjeska Canyon Road in south Orange County. Visitors
may take Santiago Canyon Road to Modjeska Canyon Road and proceed
to the sanctuary, which is near the fire station. |
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| Background: |
Mars is nearer to earth than it has been for
60,000 years and won’t come closer until 2287, plus
is comparatively high in the sky as seen from the earth’s
Northern Hemisphere, according to the Griffith Observatory.
The sanctuary, which is reopening Sept. 1, is hosting the
Mars viewing as a preopening event for the public, free of
charge. “The location of Tucker is a great place for
local residents to view Mars,” said Jeff Cady, staff
physicist at CSUF who will be at the sanctuary that evening
to answer questions. “The secluded site is away from
city lights and much closer than other viewing areas with
low light levels, such as Palmdale, Joshua Tree National Monument
and Apple Valley.” The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary has
been operated by the university as an educational facility
for more than 30 years. The 12-acre preserve has been closed
since last fall, due to personnel changes and weather-related
damage. Restoration work is under way, and a new on-site manager
joined the staff in July. |
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| Media Contacts: |
Birkin Newell, on-site Tucker manager, at (714)
649-2760 or bnewell@fullerton.edu
Jeff Cady, CSUF staff physicist, at 657-278-3246 or jcady@fullerton.edu
Dave Reid, Public Affairs, at 657-278-4855 or dreid@fullerton.edu |
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