Mars makes the closest approach to Earth in 15 years

On July 31, 2018, Mars was closest to Earth in 15 years. It will be the closest in 2035. PHOTO OF NASA

LOS ANGELES, USA – 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. "The red planet and the Earth have not been so close since 2003, and will not be so close until 2035," NASA said.

Astronomers around the world trained their telescopes in the sky on July 31.

The Griffith Observatory of Los Angeles, where we could see Mars at the naked eye as a bright orange blot in the sky, was a very popular public place, according to a broadcast broadcast in direct. "Mars is invading us tonight," said Ed Krupp Observatory Director

The closest point of Earth to the elliptical orbit of Mars arrived around 11:00 am GMT on Tuesday, the report said. NASA.

Astronomers are interested in the path of Mars Because it helps to decide the best moments for launching spaceships.

When the Sun, the Earth and Mars are aligned, with the Earth sitting between them, a phenomenon called "opposition" is giving the brightest view of Mars. 19659003] But also, "at the moment of opposition, a planet is at its closest distance from the Earth for a given year," says the US Space Agency

. that is why most NASA missions on the red planet are spaced at least two years apart – to enjoy the closer distance. "

The close approach this year is not a record.

The closest approach was in 2003, when Mars was 34.6 million miles (55.7 million kilometers) from Earth "and the closest it had been in nearly 60,000 years," NASA said.

nter 2003 will not occur before the year 2287.

For those who have missed the closest approach, do not worry. Mars will still be visible in the night sky for the next few months. / cbb

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