TORONTO, August 27, 2003 – Sky watchers of every age can expect clear skies and a perfect view of Mars tonight as they visit York U's two observation facilities to watch the Red Planet's closest approach to earth in 60,000 years.

The Petrie Observatory and the Arboretum Observing Facility will be open to the public between 9 and 11 p.m. offering visitors a chance to view the planet's surface features at their brightest. York's knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer questions throughout the evening and every night this week. There are also slide presentations and a hook-up to NASA-TV.

Information on Mars Week at York, which runs until Aug. 29, is available online at http://aries.phys.yorku.ca/observatory/mars.html  or call 416-736-2100 ext 77773.

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For further information, please contact:

Nancy White	David Fuller
Director Media Relations	Media Relations
York University	York University
416-736-5603	Phone: 416-736-2100 ext. 22086
whiten@yorku.ca