August 28, 2003 :: No. 30
| What: |
Orange County residents will have another opportunity
to view the bright, red ball that is the planet Mars through
Cal State Fullerton telescopes at the tranquil and rustic surroundings
of the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The Mars viewing on Aug. 25
proved to be so popular that the university is repeating the
event. |
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| When: |
Friday, Aug. 29, from 9 – 11 p.m. |
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| Where: |
The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is located near
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. Visitors also
may call (714) 649-2760 to be advised of weather conditions
that could affect viewing. |
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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, and is
also 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. “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
Friday night 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 because of personnel changes and weather-related
damage. Restoration work is under way, a new on-site manager
joined the staff in July and a new director was named Monday.
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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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