posted 08-06-2003 03:33 PM
Space Weather News for August 6, 2003 http://spaceweather.com 
PERSEID METEORS: Although the peak of the 2003 Perseid meteor shower is
still a week away, sky watchers have already spotted a few bright meteors,
like the exploding fireball that streaked across Texas on August 4th. A
movie of this Perseid, recorded by the Sandia Meteor Detection Network, is
available on Spaceweather.com now.
RETROGRADE MARS: For months Mars has been creeping eastward among the
stars of Aquarius. Last week the planet reversed course; now it's moving
westward. This "retrograde motion" is a telltale sign that Earth and Mars
are drawing closer together. Closest approach won't come until late
August, but Mars is already dazzling. Visit Spaceweather.com for sky maps,
pictures and observing tips.