It’s a good month for stargazing.
First with a full harvest moon, then with a rare blue moon on Halloween, and now, it’s the red planet’s turn to steal the show. Mars will be closer to Earth than usual tonight, and will look bigger and brighter than it has for years.
But you will have two chances to see the planet in its main part: when it is in “approach” on Tuesday night and when it is in opposition next week.
Here’s what you need to know about capturing this rare planetary glory.
What time can I see Mars?
The planet begins to make an approximate approach to 2020 in October. Mars will appear in the direction of the sky in October. The best time to see Mars on October 6 would be midnight, according to NASA. As long as you see a planet in the sky, look to the south sky.
Where is Mars in the sky and what does it look like?
From Earth, Mars will look like a glowing orange orb. Without the telescope, it would still be orange, but it would be a point in the sky. Although we see less here on Earth, there are two moons on the planet and it is made up of silicon, oxygen, iron and magnesium. Experts say it probably has the consistency of a soft, rocky paste.
It should be clearly visible to the naked eye in non-light-contaminated areas at night.
“Just go out and take a look and depending on your local weather and lighting conditions, you should see Mars,” NASA wrote.
How close will Mars be to Earth?
Mars means that its orbit is close to our planet – at only 38.57 million miles. (From perspective, the moon averages 238,900 miles away.)
Will Mars be closer to this earth again?
Yes, although astronomers say it will not return for another 15 years, it will not be able to beat the 2003 record, which was closer to 3 million miles than expected on Tuesday. It will not happen again for another 267 years, on 28 22 Gust, 2287.
What if I lose my chance?
The second major Mars-sighted night 13 ct. It will be on the 13th, when it will oppose the sun – that is, it will be very bright. This happens once every two years.
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