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Show Ashcroft Observatory Slide-musical presentation set CEDAR CITY -"Vikings on Mars," a slide-musical presentation presen-tation about U.S. missions to the "red planet" is the topic for August and September presentations at the Southern Utah State College . Ashcroft Observatory. Ob-servatory. Programs start at 9 p.m. every Monday and Fridav at the observatory which is located some three and one-half miles southwest of Cedar City. Programs are free to the public. The United States' Viking I space probe landed on Mars in a desertlike region near the planet's equator on July 20, 1976. A second unmanned un-manned U.S. craft, Viking II, landed on the planet in September of that same year. "These landings resulted in the transmission tran-smission of some incredible in-credible close-up photographs of the Martian surface," Merrill R. Jones, observatory ob-servatory director, said. "Experiments were also on board to analyze the planet's atmosphere and soil to seek signs of life, a question that still hasn't been answered." Along with the slide show and musical presentation, visitors to the Ashcroft Observatory will have the opportunity to look into the summer skies throught a 14-inch Muskatov telescope. Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are especially impressive during the summer, Dr. Jones said. Special group showings of observatory programs those on days other than Mondays and Fridays can be arranged by calling 586-7900. 586-7900. A $7.50 fee is charged for these special showings. Trie " Ashcroft Observatory Ob-servatory is located on Utah Hwy. 56. Roadway signs clearly mark the way. |