Mars closest to Earth on Wednesday

JAKARTA: For three days beginning on Wednesday Jakartans will be able to see Planet Mars from the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center's planetarium. Another viewing site will be Boscha Observatory in Bandung, planetarium chairman Haryadi said on Tuesday.

Or else wait for another 200 years, he said, when the planet will be close to Earth again. Close means more than 34 million miles away.

Viewing time at both places will be 8 p.m.

"But, whether the public will be able to see it clearly or not will depend on the weather," he said.

Separately, Mudji Raharto, chairman of Boscha Observatory, said that the planet would be seen as a bright star at 12:53 a.m. on Friday.

"But, the public should not expect that it will be much bigger than a full moon," said Mudji Raharto. -- Antara