It is 1:30 AM and I have just returned from a spectacular astronomical party with 5,000 of my closest friends.

As we all know, Mars is at its closest to Earth in at least 60,000 years. Just having the knowledge of this special event was exciting enough. But what was far more intriguing to this writer, was the people themselves. This event reminded me of a scene from the movie "Close Encounter of the Third Kind". It was the scene when the main character played by Richard Dreyfus, was chasing a UFO. When he came rushing around a blind corner, he came to a sudden stop. When he did, he saw people from all walks of life doing exactly what he was.

Tonight at the local community college here in San Antonio, Texas, the local 'San Antonio Astronomer Association held a 'viewing party' in a very large parking lot. As I arrived, the first thing that struck me were the people who felt so moved to come out in the middle of the night to view a historical event.

There were people in their 70's and 80's. Some with walkers and wheelchairs. Children of all ages. Teenagers who were more interested in the 10" telescopes, then the cute girls/boys of their peers, or doing typical adolescent prankster behavior. Couples, singles, families, pets, people in the military. In short, every possible demographic you can imagine. It was wonderful. It gave me a true sense of community. It was what I saw, felt, sensed, in my 'vision'. People were united with everyone's attention on something outside ourselves, rather than focusing or measuring one against the other. The atmosphere was what I believe will occur as the earth changes escalate. When events unfold that are out of our control, we will be humbled. I believe it is when events unfold that are not at the hand of our fellow man, we as a human race, have a great chance of joining together as one.

I have always believed it is the earth changing events that will 'develop' communities, not break them apart. It was as though all 5,000 of us had one singleness of purpose. Perhaps that 'purpose', or draw, was something we all felt at a cellular level. Perhaps we feel a ancestral connection to Mars. Is it not possible through millions of years in evolution that some how, some way, we are more connected to Mars then one might think!

This Friday, astronomer clubs all around the world will have organized viewing parties. I suggest go!!!!  Take the kids, take the pets, take your parents, take your friends, hell take your enemies. Simply call your local astronomer club, or your local television station, or your local College or University, and find out where the viewing will be held. Everybody take a nap Friday afternoon or evening, then go out around 10, 11, 12 midnight. For you hard core's, and those who do not like crowds, go around 3, 4, or 5 PM. Each facility will be open around the clock. (unless otherwise stated). Take your cameras. Many of the amateur astronomers have set up their 6", 8" 10", even 14" telescopes in the area where you will go. They are excited to show your what they see and know. Don't be shy, they absolutely love it. The more questions you have, the better.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!