August 28, 2003
Director of Media Relations
413/542-8417

AMHERST, Mass.-The Amherst College Observatory will be open for viewing Mars this Saturday evening, August 30, if the skies are clear. No reservations are necessary, and admission is free. The observatory opens at 9 p.m., although Mars itself will not be visible before about 10:30 p.m. The Observatory is located off Snell St., near Woodside Ave. (www.amherst.edu/about_amh/visit/map/)

This viewing is sponsored by the Amherst Astronomy Association, which holds public viewings at the Amherst College Observatory every clear Saturday night except during winter. The association has a Website at www.amastro.org.

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