years ago. There's nothing wrong with that if it gets people to pay attention to the heavens instead of just going about their dreary lives unknowing that there is something grander than any of us can truly imagine out there.

One of the stories I keep hearing from people who were in the recent blackout in New York was how wonderful it was to see stars in the sky (and Mars, too) -- for some people, it was the very first time they had ever seen anything up there but light pollution and sky-glow.

Telescope sales are way up, purchased in many cases by people who have never really looked at the sky at all. Interest in the Red Planet is high, as it should be. It means people are taking the trouble to learn something about astronomy and wonders await them there. Cool. Now, when they can recite the Messier Catalogue and find all the objects in it.... ;-)

You're right, of course. Mars will be at nearly its present size and magnitude for a little while longer. The "closest approach" moment is really only statistically relevant.

But the fact that there is so much interest right now is a good thing all in all.

Cheers, BRFelix