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NOW, it's time to catch Mars in the night sky.
At present, the red planet is on its closest approach to the Earth in 15 years. The two planets are only separated by 57.8 million kilometers
This means that the Earth is in "opposition" with Mars, which means that she sits directly between the Sun and the planet. This is the first time since 2003. Since March, Mars was even closer to Earth – in fact, it was the closest to 60,000 years ago.
Although it is not so close this time around, it still looks amazing in the night sky. But be sure to catch it in 2018 as this will not happen until 2050.
Although Mars and Earth were officially in opposition last Friday, Mars will be at its peak tonight . Astronomers expect a good view at the beginning of August.
NASA advises people to go out and watch while viewing is at its best. years! Here's what you need to know: https://t.co/ttrx73J9AV pic.twitter.com/NUs1w96p7W
– NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2018
A massive dust storm now engulfing Mars, however, obscures the surface details normally visible through telescopes. The Martian atmosphere is so full of dust that NASA's rover Opportunity can not recharge – not enough sunlight can reach its solar panels – and so it's quiet since June 10th. Controllers do not expect to hear about Opportunity The good news about all Martian dust is that it reflects sunlight, making the red planet even brighter, says the company. Widener University astronomer, Harry Augensen
"It's beautiful, it's as brilliant as an airplane landing," Augensen said. "Not as bright as Venus, but always because of the reddish, orange-red color, you really can not miss it in the sky." In 2003, Mars and Earth were the closest in nearly 60,000 years – 34.6 million miles (55.7 million kilometers). NASA has said that this will not happen again until 2287. The next approach closely, in 2020, will be 38.6 million miles (62 million kilometers), according to NASA.
Observatories across the United States host viewing events on Mars. The Los Angeles Griffith Observatory will provide a live online view of Mars on Tuesday
The total lunar eclipse on Friday was visible in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, the Earth and the Moon align perfectly, projecting the Earth's shadow onto the Moon. Friday will be long, one hour and 43 minutes.
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