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Mars from Hubble

In just a few days, Mars volition brand its closest approach to Globe in 15 years. It won't be quite every bit close equally the 2003 approach just close. In fact, based on the current conditions on Mars, you may have a meliorate than usual run a risk to spot the planet with the naked eye.

Astronomers have calculated that Mars will be a mere 35.viii million miles (57.half dozen million kilometers) side by side Tuesday, July 31. That'due south practically in our lawn past some measures. The following week on Friday, August xi, Mars volition exist in opposition to the sun. That means the ii objects will be on the verbal contrary sides of the Earth. That's also when parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, S America, and Europe volition get a partial solar eclipse. It'due south a decorated time of year in astronomy.

As yous might exist aware, there's a global dust storm raging on the ruby-red planet right now. It threatens to forever silence the plucky little Opportunity rover, simply at that place's a nice upshot for non-robots here on Earth. The dust will reflect more of the sun'due south low-cal, so the faint red dot of Mars will exist easier to encounter than usual. The 2003 laissez passer was only slightly closer, and then you might accept a better view this time.

mars-dust-storm-illus

This image from a by dust storm shows how much the planet changes when viewed from afar.

For astronomers looking at Mars through telescopes, there's no functional divergence betwixt this close pass and the 2003 event. They'll be able to get a closer await at Mars as the surface is by and large covered with clouds of dust. That might not brand for riveting viewing for those of united states on the sidelines, but it's rare that we tin can see Mars and then clearly when a global grit storm is raging.

In the northern hemisphere, you should encounter Mars peek over the horizon in the late evening when looking southward. Mars' increased albedo from the dust storm should brand it as bright as an airplane's landing lite. If you miss the closest arroyo on July 31, don't fret. There should be an unprecedented good view of Mars in the sky for another week or and so post-obit that. Besides, you can go out tonight and get a adept look at Mars as it moves in for its close laissez passer. Do yourself a favor and go out there to see information technology for yourself. The planet should be bright enough to appear in the heaven fifty-fifty in urban areas with lite pollution.