Welcome to NEKAAL, to find out more about NEKAAL see who we are or schedule to attend one of our general meetings or open houses.

On August 27, 2009, Mars will come so close to Earth, the red planet will be as big as a full Moon in the night sky. If you believe that, you've just fallen for the Mars Hoax. It's a viral email filled with misinformation that has many readers circling August 27th on their calendars.

This hoax has been going around for over six years. Explanations in the past still apply from:

• NASA
• Sky and Telescope
• Sky and Telescope Again
• Snopes

• 5-25-2009: NEKAAL will be participating with the Girl Scout Council to set up astronomy for local girl scouts.
• 4-28-2009: Member Gary Hug was a recent recipient of a Planetary Society's Shoemaker NEO grant. To learn more see his Web Site
• 3-15-2009: Member Gary Hug and his observatory was featured in the Capital Journal Keeping an eye on wonders in night sky