The phenomenon that involves Mars and that you can not miss

On July 31, 2018, Mars will be closer, and therefore brighter, than it has been since 2003 and closer and brighter than it will be until the end of the year. in 2035. It will be brighter than the brightest star in the night sky.

Yesterday, March was in opposition. The oppositions occur when the Sun, the Earth and the planet in question (in this case Mars) are aligned. For our neighbor, this phenomenon occurs every 2 years and 2 months, approximately. On this occasion, the distance between the Earth and Mars was slightly less than 58 million km, the lowest since the opposition in 2003, and that 's why during these weeks the red planet has the same. very bright air.

Meanwhile, the red planet will be 57.6 million kilometers from Earth, which is its closest point of approach.

While the approaching phenomenon lasts, Mars will be brighter than Jupiter, and almost three times brighter than the brightest star in the night sky, namely Sirius. It will approach -2.8 magnitudes. The only brightest natural objects in the sky will be Venus, the Moon and the Sun.