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Media Advisory

Contact: Tom Uribes

Aug. 26, 2003                      

(559) 278-5366 or 246-1717

EDITORS: Both Dr. Frederick Ringwald and Dr. Steven White will be a available for comment on Mars viewing this week.

Fresno State Physics Profs At Forefront Of Astronomy; Mars Viewing Good Through September

Fresno State physics professor Dr. Frederick Ringwald has been awarded eight orbits of telescope time -- about 12 hours -- on Hubble Space Telescope to study exotic magnetic stars.

The project, Ringwald's third on Hubble, has also used the Keck I telescope in Hawaii, the largest in the world, and Fresno State's own Campus Observatory, behind the Downing Planetarium.

Fresno State students are now using the Campus Observatory to get targeting information for Hubble, which is an Earth-orbiting NASA spacecraft, and the most powerful telescope available to astronomers on Earth today. Details to come.

On the nights of Aug. 15-16 and 16-17, Ringwald used the Campus Observatory, behind the Downing Planetarium, to make simultaneous observations with two NASA spacecraft. He was assisted by physics senior Ron Severson, and Greg Morgan, a member of the Central Valley Astronomers, Fresno's astronomy club (see www.cvafresno.org). Full release to come.

UPDATE: ‘MarsQuest’ Show and Mars Viewing Aug. 27 and in September

All shows this week and next for “MarsQuest” now showing at the Downing Planetarium are sold out. Shows that were added to accommodate the demand also are sold out. However, viewing of Mars as it comes closer to Earth during September will be available every evening in Campus Observatory telescopes – behind the planetarium on Maple and San Ramon.

The MarsQuest show is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children and students. Dr. Steven White said a reservation system will be used for future shows. Call 278-4071 for reservations. The telescope viewing is free beginning by about 8 p.m. through about 9:30 p.m. White said.

Although Aug. 27 is considered to be the closest Mars will be to Earth, White said the red planet will be viewable throughout September, not just Aug. 27, and possibly better later.

“Viewing of Mars all through September is outstanding.” White said. “In fact, there is an advantage to waiting until next week or later, because Mars will be rising up higher to a better viewing place in the atmosphere. By about 9 p.m., evening viewing of Mars will be superior than it is in August.”

See media advisory at www.FresnoStateNews.com.

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