(Toledo, OH) The University of Toledo is offering a rare chance to see the planet Mars up-close.
Even though the red planet will be visible to the naked eye as it approaches its closest point to Earth in 15 years-- just 35.8 million miles away-- Mars Watch 2018 is an event that gives astronomy buffs to share U-T's telescope for an even better look.
The good view of Mars is due to "opposition"-- when Mars and the sun are on directly opposite sides of the Earth as the planets orbit around the sun.
The Brooks Observatory in McMaster Hall will be open to the public for four nights- from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, then Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week.
Of course, the event depends on clear skies, but it's low-cost, family-friendly fun-- two dollars for adults, a buck for kids ages 5 to 12. The wee little ones get in free.