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LOS ANGELES – The planet next to Earth, Mars, is closer than it has been in the last 15 years, offering exceptionally bright views of the auburn hues of the Red Planet.
since 2003, and will not be again until 2035, "said NASA.
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Astronomers from all over the world set their telescopes in the air on July 31, while the red planet was 57.6 million kilometers away
Angeles, where Mars was visible to the naked eye as a bright orange blot in the sky, according to a live broadcast held to mark the celestial event.
"Mars is invading us tonight," said director Ed Krupp's observatory. 19659002] The astronomers are interested in the trajectory of Mars because it allows to decide the best moments for launching spacecraft
When the Sun, Eart and Mars are aligned, with the Earth sitting between them, a phenomenon called " opposition "is in effect, giving the most brilliant view of Mars
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But also, "at the moment of opposition, a planet is at its closest distance to the Earth for a given year," Space
Since Earth and Mars line up in opposition every two years, "that is why most of NASA's missions on the red planet are distant from the rest of the world." 39, at least two years – to enjoy the closer distance. "
The minimum distance between Earth and Mars is approximately 54.6 million kilometers and is rarely reached
The last closest approach was in 2003 when Mars was 55.7 millions of kilometers from Earth. "And the closest was in almost 60,000 years," NASA said.
Another close encounter like 2003 will not happen before the year 2287.
For those who missed the closest approach, do not worry. Mars will still be visible in the night sky for the next few months.
AFP
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