Keep an eye on the sky – Mars will be at its biggest and brightest in 15 years in July

Over the next two months, Kiwis will be treated to Mars appearing larger and brighter in the night sky.

For the first time since 2003, Mars will be at its closest to Earth making it more visible to the naked eye.

This celestial event occurs approximately every 17 years and it will not be as close as in 2003, which was closest to Earth on Earth. 60,000 years, the view will always be watched.

The reason why Mars is approaching the Earth is due to a phenomenon called perihelian opposition – when the Earth passes directly between Mars and the sun.

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Kiwis will be able to observe a good view of the red planet for several weeks from the end Josh Kirkley, astronomy and astrophotographer educator, said that Mars would appear in the sky as an "extremely bright orange star"

"She will be brighter than any other star, only Venus will be brighter, but Mars is easier to recognize because of the distinct red color.

"Mars is currently rising at the east a few hours after sunset, and will rise earlier in the month and we are getting closer to the opposition."

Kirkley said that the night of opposition would occur on July 27 and March would remain in the sky all night.

"The planet will be close enough to resolve surface features and ice caps for about a week on either side of this date through a telescope.

" You will still be able to see Ma as it is visible for most of the year as a point of light of a bright orange star. "

To celebrate the occasion, Stardome is organizing a series of events related to Mars in July and August, with their Zeiss telescope being open for long hours so that the Kiwis can have a good view. [19659007] Kirkley said that the opposition would be exciting for anyone interested in space.

"Usually Mars is a planet hard to see even with a telescope because of its small size, but the opposition will give us a chance to really see the surface "

" Seeing the surface of another world with your own eyes in a telescope is an incredible experience and I may not have not be the opportunity to photograph it again for about 17 years, so I'm next time Mars will arrive so close to Earth is estimated to be in 2035.

The best times to see Mars :

July 4 (11 pm – 1 am) e (3:00 – 5:00)

11 July (23:00 – 01:00) and (3:00 – 5:00)

18 July (22:00 – 12:00) and (02:00 – 05:00) [19659007] 25 July (9:00 – 12:00) and ( 2h – 4h)

August 1st (9pm – 11pm) and (1am – 4am)

August 8th (8pm – 10pm) and (1am – 3am)

August 15th (8pm – 10pm) and (1am- 3h)

August 22nd (8pm – 9pm) and (12pm – 2am)

August 29th (8pm – 9pm) and (11pm – 1pm)

– Stuff