MARS is set to appear its biggest and brightest for the next two years tomorrow night, as it reaches opposition with Earth.
Opposition is when a planet moves to the same side of the Sun as the Earth.
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It means the side of the planet facing Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun’s rays, while also being physically closer.
While Mars is usually visible to the naked eye all year round – it will be especially bright on 16 January.
Although you will need a telescope to see any details on the surface.
Mars oppositions are special because they only happen roughly every two years, according to Nasa.
The last time the Red Planet reached opposition was in December 2022.
It will shine at a magnitude of -1.4, which is as luminous as the brightest star in the sky, Sirius.
Mars’ next opposition will take place on 19 February 2027.
How to view Mars at opposition
You won’t need access to a pitch black sky to see Mars – so city-dwellers are in luck.
Simply look east during sunset to view Mars.
It will be visible all night, near the Gemini constellation.
If you’re struggling to find the Gemini constellation, try using an app like Night Sky.
If you are looking to the sky at sunrise, Mars will be visible in the southwest.
All you need to know about planets in our solar system
Our solar system is made up of nine planets with Earth the third closest to the Sun. But each planet has its own quirks, so find out more about them all…
- How old is Earth? Plus other facts on our planet
- How many moons does Mercury have?
- What colour is Venus?
- How far away is Mars to Earth? And other facts on the red planet
- How big is Jupiter?
- How many moons does Saturn have?
- Does Uranus have rings?
- How many moons does Neptune have?
- How big is Pluto?
- How hot is the Sun?
