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March's summer travel plans include a trip to Earth, and by the end of July, people from all over the world will be able to get to the outside and see our galactic neighbor clearly twice.
will be held on July 27 at 01:13 ET, which, according to (NASA), means that Mars and the sun are on the directly opposite sides of the Earth. While the planet has grown into the night sky throughout 2018, AccuWeather explained that on Thursday night, people will have the best view since 2003.
In addition to shining in the sky, Mars will appear just under the full moon , during an eclipse of "blood moon" that will be visible to large parts of the eastern hemisphere. While the show will be visible to anyone venturing outside and looking at the sky, those using a telescope can see the details of Mars, according to AccuWeather.
Fortunately for those who see their sight interrupted by bad weather Thursday night, there is another opportunity on July 31 to marvel at the red planet. On July 31 at 3:50 am, the orbit of Mars will bring it closer to Earth in what is called an approach to Mars Close. Close is relative because NASA explained that it would still be at least 35.8 million miles – however, it is nevertheless a rare event.
"The red planet is approaching once or twice every 15 or 17 years" states NASA on its website.
For the best overview of Mars, try to find a place that is free of trees and buildings, so nothing blocks the view. Viewers in the United States will have the best view at midnight local time when the planet is the highest in the sky, however The Washington Post pointed out that just after sunset is the perfect time to get a photograph. While everyone will be able to see the planet, the more a person goes south, the better is the view, according to Astronomy Magazine. Although total darkness seems ideal for stargazing, Astronomy Magazine recommended putting a white light on the side so that your daytime vision, which is superior to human night vision , enters the stage.
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March will remain visible until the first week of September, but as the summer wanes, the planet will become increasingly dark
. seeing Mars is clearly not the only benefit that a Mars Close approach has for its land-based neighbors and NASA explained that because of the shortened distance, it's a good time for a mission on Mars. InSight, a robotic explorer of outer space, is currently heading to Mars to give the planet its "first complete control," according to NASA. It is planned to land on Mars in November.
Mars came to 34.6 miles from Earth in 2003 in what is the closest encounter that the two had in about 60,000 years old and will not happen again until 2287, according to NASA. The next time Mars takes a near-Earth approach will occur in 2020, according to NASA, although Astronomy Magazine noted that it will not be as clear until 2035.
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