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The number one astronomical event of the fall is the opposition to Mars: the red planet will be closest to Earth on October 6, some 62 million kilometers away. Its apparent size will be a multiple of the average throughout October and, seen with the naked eye, it will shine as a brighter red dot in the southern sky than any star. When viewed through binoculars, the planet’s disk is also easily noticeable.
Although this year we are a little further from Mars, the apparent diameter is a bit smaller, but it can be observed much higher than during the great opposition in 2018, said Krisztián Sárneczky, a researcher at the Center for Research in Astronomy and Science. Earth.
This proximity can be experienced approximately every 26 months, but the distance between the two planets is different each time. Most recently, in 2018, this distance was 57.8 million kilometers, and the closest we’ve been to the red planet so far in 2003, then, it was 55.7 million kilometers away.
The observability of the red planet is actually the most favorable every 15-17 years, these are called great oppositions.
added the astronomer. Next time in 2035 there will be great opposition.
He also said that Mars will be in the sky from October 13-14, at which point the red planet will be visible from dusk to dawn, at which point it will also reach its peak of brightness. In the afternoon you can find it in the east, in the middle of the night in the south, and at dawn you can already find it on the western equator, like a red dot that shines brighter than the stars.
The astronomer also said that the red planet will be observable throughout October, as it does not lose its brightness as quickly. However, if you also want to admire its surface, it is recommended to visit an observatory.
In addition to the proximity of Mars, the southern taurids, which provide the brightest autumn meteors, are also in full swing in October. The swarm doesn’t give off too many meteorites, but they are characterized by very high-brightness fireballs that can be extremely spectacular.
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