The Rensselaer Astrophysical Society is inviting the public for a viewing of Mars at opposition at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on December 8, 2022.

Mars at opposition refers to Mars being aligned on the same side of the sun as Earth. At around the same time, Mars will be closest to Earth, which will make it appear the brightest and largest.

Attendees are invited to make use of Rensselaer’s telescopes or bring their own. Hirsch Observatory houses a Boller and Chivens 16" Cassegrain Telescope, SBIG imaging camera, SBIG spectrograph, and CFW-8 filter wheel. RAS members will be available to assist and answer questions.

The Rensselaer Astrophysical Society allows students to pursue their interest in astronomy. The society works in conjunction with the physics department to maintain the Hirsch Observatory atop the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center and keep it open to the public on a regular basis.

In the event of rain, snow, or total cloud cover, the event will be canceled.