In a message dated 6/29/05 9:08:29 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Thank goodness there are others tired of this nonsense. Let's get back to

History. >>

I'm very interested in discovering if the upper Chickahominy was once deep 
enough for the 9- or 12-foot draft of colonial ships.  Did this river behave 
like the Mattapony where a merchant ship could sail as far west as Aylett  -  
about 50 miles west of the Bay? Early development of the upper Chickahominy area 
certainly suggests that it was as navagable as the Mattapony, but lost records 
in New Kent County may prevent our knowledge of it.

Now, how 'bout a current event of true historic proportions.  Did you know 
that you will be able to observe an event this summer that no one living has 
ever observed; and no one living now will ever have an opportunity to observe 
again?  Please see below.

Joyce Browning
Fairfax County, Virginia
- - - - - - - - - -

[Sorry, I can't source this article. A friend sent it to me.]

The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is 
catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach 
between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this 
close is in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs 
its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to 
Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before 
it happens again.

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 
34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the 
night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear   25.11 arc 
seconds wide At a modest 75-power magnification

Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy 
to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10 p.m. and 
reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m.

By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at 
nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. That's pretty 
convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, 
mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively 
brighter and brighter throughout the month.
 

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