Night of the Planet

I just read this Time article about how people are throwing "Mars parties" this week to celebrate that Mars is passing so close to Earth. On Wednesday, the planet will supposedly be visible even from cities, but I'll believe that when I see it for myself. The idea of everyone partying outdoors to watch the sky reminds me of the 1984 movie Night of the Comet, where millions of people go outside to see a comet, and then they all get turned to orange dust because the comet comes too close. (I'm not ruining the movie. That all happens right at the beginning.) I did a quick search online and it doesn't seem to be out on DVD yet, but it's worth renting if you can find a copy.



Update, 8/25/03: Today Slashdot has a page about the Mars thing.