Imagine observing Mars this summer from a place that looks like the Red Planet - complete with a fully functional Mars Habitat and Observatory. You are cordially invited to attend a Mars Party held at the Mars Desert Research Station near Hanksville, Utah. The site was chosen for it's Martian landscape and is a research facility used by the Mars Society to make studies for the human exploration of Mars. With its 6.7 magnitude skies it is an ideal location for observing the wonders of the universe. This is a free event sponsored by the Mars Society and Celestron.

The Event: Bring your telescope, cameras and camping gear (and plenty of food and water) to camp out near the HAB. Porta-john facilities will be available at the site. The town of Hanksville is 6 miles from the HAB and has motels, food and gas. Observing sessions will be held nightly with images updated of Mars from the Celestron CGE1400 telescope in the Observatory. HAB and Observatory tours will be available as well as Dr. Robert Zubrin, the visionary whose work has set the stage for the human exploration to Mars. Contests will be held throughout the weekend with prizes given by the Mars Society and Celestron. You could even win the opportunity to don a space suit and go on a simulated Mars EVA (a great photography opportunity). Or win a Celestron NexStar 5i with tripod, upgraded hand control, and GPS accerssory (a $1200 value)!

The Observatory: Located at the site is the Mars Desert Research Station Observatory; an automated Sirius Dome which houses a Celestron CGE1400 telescope on an Astro Pier from Le Sueur Manufacturing. Two CCD cameras (SBIG ST2000XM and an STV Deluxe) are operated from the observatory or remotely from inside the HAB.

Directions: The closest large airport to the site is in Salt Lake City, Utah. You want to travel to Hanksville, Utah - a journey which should take just under six hours from the airport. Your destination in Hanksville is the Whispering Sands Motel. Internet mapping sites such as mapquest, yahoo maps, or maps on us can provide you with detailed directions from the airport in Salt Lake City or from your location. Enter the information below:

From: Salt Lake City Airport, 776 N Terminal Dr Salt Lake City, UT 84116 US
To: Whispering Sands Motel, 140 S Hwy 95 Hanksville, UT 84734 US

Once you arrive at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville you can pick up a map to the HAB. Escort service will also be available at certain times from the Motel if you wish to follow someone to the site. This is HIGHLY recommended if you are planning on arriving at night.

What to Bring: You already know to bring your camping gear, telescope equipment and cameras, but please don't forget the following items:

• Water- lots of it!
• Food
• Cooking stove (no open fires will be permitted)
• Sunscreen
• Hat with a brim
• Sturdy shoes for hiking

Be Aware: You assume all risk for your safety during your stay. The Mars Society, Celestron or any of its members will not be held liable. Desert camping can be dangerous if certain precautions aren't taken. Some items to be aware of are the following:

• The daily temperature most likely will be around 100-105 degrees during the day and will drop at night into the 90's. It will drop lower at night if there is a wind.
• Bring plenty of water to drink and to cool down.
• Use sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun.
• Scorpions and snakes are in the desert. Shake boots and sheets before you get in them. Mountain Lions (Cougars) are also desert creatures. Do not leave any food out at night.
• The road to the Mars Desert Research Station is rough at spots. Low riding cars may have some difficulty in negotiating the terrain. Plan to arrive during the day and take your time going to the HAB. Escort service will be available at certain times and is HIGHLY recommended at night for your first trip to the site.
• Please practice "leave no trace" camping techniques.

Internet: Stay tuned to this website if you can't make MARSpectacular. There will be updated images of Mars taken from the Mars Desert Research Station Observatory and other chances to win prizes during that weekend.

Make this opposition of Mars a memorable one. Join us for MARSpectacular; our post opposition party over Labor Day weekend. If you have any questions about this event please contact Peter Detterline at

Mission Patch Photos: David Crisp and the WFPC2 Science Team (JPL) & Peter Detterline MDRS Crew 10