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If you’re a fan of astronomy, be sure to keep an eye out for the skies this week.
Mars will glow brightest from 2003 this week, and you don’t want to miss it!
NASA said, “Just get out there and look up and depending on the local weather and lighting conditions, you should be able to see Mars.”
Mars will approach Earth tomorrow, approaching about 38.6 million miles from our planet.
The close approach coincides with the opposition, when Mars is directly on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun.
(Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
NASA explained: “This alignment occurs approximately every two years. During this opposition, Mars and Earth are closer to each other in their orbits. That means Mars is at its brightest, so get out there and take a look! “
While Mars should be visible to the naked eye, a telescope could be useful to help you see more details of the red planet.
NASA said: “When Mars and Earth are close to each other, Mars appears very bright in our sky. It also makes viewing with telescopes or the naked eye easier. The Red Planet gets close enough for exceptional viewing only once or twice every 15 to 17 years. “
(Image: NASA)
While you may hear some reports that Mars will look as big as the moon during opposition, this is unfortunately not the case.
NASA explained: “Don’t be fooled by the Mars hoax. The message is that Mars will look as big as the Moon in our night sky. If that were true, we would be in big trouble due to the gravitational pull on Earth, Mars, and our Moon. “
If you miss this week’s astronomical event, you will hopefully get another chance to see Mars in 2022.
The next approach to Mars is December 8, 2022, when Mars will be only 38.6 million miles from Earth.
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