I thought this was an interesting link:
Orbital Oddities: Why Mars will be So Close to Earth in August, by Robert Roy Britt

Thanks. And for those among us who had had an unhappy childhood and never used a spirograph or even don't know what it is:

Spirograph Online

The link says that Mars will be closer than it has been in 73,000 years (other reports have said 50 or 60 thousand years). But, it points out, that it's approach in 2287, less than three hundred years from now, will be even closer. Still, I'm thinking it's a safe bet that this will be the closest that Mars gets during your lifetime.

The 73,000 figure was the original estimate. It has since been refined to 59,000+. 8)

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[/lurk]
This exchange reminded me of an advertisement for a telescope and binoculars that I read a couple of weeks ago:

"See Mars up close for the first time in 60,000 years!

At 5:51 am EDT on August 27, 2003, Mars will be within 55,758,006 kilometres (34,646,418 miles) of Earth. This will be the closest that Mars has come to our planet in nearly 60,000 years. Don't miss this opportunity! Come into name of store today for an amazing selection of binoculars and telescopes to help you view the night sky."

I mentioned the implication of the title to one of the sales people of this chainstore, but he just smiled. The deal on the 15x70 binoculars was good, so I bought a pair. I guess the ad worked. :roll:

[lurk]

I've received some forwarded posting three times now using the "closest in 60,000 years" as a starting point to a claim that you'll never get this good a view of Mars again in your lifetime. The reality is that it's only a few percent closer than any perihelic opposition, which recur at 15-17 intervals. It's also only a fraction of a percent better than once-a-generation passes. I think alot of people are being duped by the hype; many don't realize that the view is very good right now, 24 days before closest approach.

What is Mars' inclination to the ecliptic? And how many degrees will it be from the tropic of Cancer at opposition?

G^2

If you didn't already know this... why are you here...?
HAHA Jus Kiddin'

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I'm a student... go easy on me.

Sure it's only a little closer - but it's still the closest in that period....

And that provides a rather hefty wedge to drive some Astronomy interest into the layman! So why not?

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de·bunk: To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham, or exaggerated claims of.
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Should have said 15-17-year intervals... Sorry if I confused anyone!

Nuts to that! I'm pullin' for someone to invent anti-aging pills between now and then. I wanna run for President in 2288, on a platform of economic incentives for state & local governments to reduce light pollution!

If somebody invents anti-aging pills, the 2288 election will probably turn on the issue of overpopulation. :P

Not if you build in enough side effects, like, they stop you from aging but turn off your sex drive.