Mars makes the closest approach to Earth in 15 years

LOS ANGELES – 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. Astronomers around the world formed their telescopes on the sky on July 31, when the red planet was 57.6 million kilometers (35.8 million miles) away.

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where we could see Mars to the naked eye as a bright orange dot in the sky, according to a live broadcast report to mark the day. heavenly event. 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 GMT on Tuesday, NASA said

Astronomers are interested in the path of Mars because it helps to decide the best times for spacecr After the sun, the Earth and Mars are lined up, with the Earth seated in between, a phenomenon called "opposition "is indeed, giving the brightest view of Mars.

But also," around the time of opposition, a planet is at its closest distance from the Earth for a given year, "says L & R. US space agency.

Since Earth and Mars line up every two years, "that's why NASA's red planet is distant at least two years – to enjoy the closer distance."

The close approach this year is not a record.

The minimum distance between Earth and Mars is about 54.6 million km.

The last closest approach was in 2003, when Mars was 55.7 million km from Earth "and the closest in 60,000 years," NASA said. 19659002] Another close encounter like 2003 will not happen before the year 2287. [19659002] For those who have missed the closest approach, do not worry. Mars will still be exceptionally visible in the night sky for the next few months.