'Mars as big as the moon' myth makes a comeback

Melbourne, Aug 9 (ANI): An eight-year-old claim that Mars is inching its way closer to the Earth so fast that soon it will appear as big as the moon.

The hoax email has been spreading like wildfire over the Internet.

Although rubbished by scientists, if it were true, the planet's gravitational impact on Earth would make for some disturbing tidal problems.

According to Scienceworks planetarium spokesman Rohan Astley, the email picks up pace approaching August every year.

"Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye," News.com.au quoted one email as saying.

"This will culminate on August 27 when Mars comes within 34.65 million miles (55 million km) of earth." (ANI)