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This is the best time in two years to see Mars with the naked eye: this is how you can find it

This is the best time in two years to see Mars with the naked eye: this is how you can find it

We already have here one of the first astronomical events of the year. Starting today, and for a few days, Mars will look bigger and clearer than ever. A great opportunity to see it with the naked eye, or better yet, with binoculars or a telescope.

On January 12, Mars reached its perigeeor closest point to Earth. That is, it is closer than ever and therefore looks larger in the sky.

Besides, On January 16, Mars will enter opposition: The Red Planet will be positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, and the three bodies will form an almost straight line in space.

The best time to see Mars in two years

The combination of these two astronomical events, the perigee of Mars, which makes it closer than ever, and the opposition, which allows the Sun to illuminate it completely, means that, starting today, it is the best time to see Mars with our own eyes. The most auspicious day is January 16.

Such optimal conditions will not return for another two years.so it is worth going out into the countryside at night, and taking a look at Mars. That we can see with our own eyes a planet that is 62 million kilometers away is an unforgettable experience.

It must be clear that, to the naked eye, Mars is little more than a bright orange light in the sky. If you really want to distinguish it, it is better to use good binoculars, or a telescope.

To locate Mars in the sky, the most practical thing is to use a specialized astronomy app, such as Sky Tonight either Starwalk 2. You simply enter your location and, pointing your phone at the sky, it will guide you with some arrows, to locate Mars.

If you want to do it the traditional way, guided by the stars, look for a bright red dot in the constellation Gemini, which will align with the twin stars Castor and Pollux. You have more clues in star walk.

The planet will rise above the horizon at sunset and reach its highest point in the sky at midnight. It will be visible throughout the night.

Mars won’t look as big and bright in the sky again for another two years. A great opportunity to see the Red Planet with your own eyes. Of course, don’t try to look for the Perseverance rover, because even the best telescopes don’t go that far…

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Tags: Culture, Curiosities

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