Get Ready for Mars!

Mars is getting ready to make a stunning appearance in the next month, but you can start observing throughout September.

Every two years, Mars and Earth reach their closest approach in their orbits, a point called “opposition.” This is when Mars appears brightest as viewed from Earth, and it’s already visible shortly after twilight in the eastern sky, it’s unmistakably bright and very red. It will continue to get brighter up to the maximum in early October, so take this opportunity to view it at its best!

It's time to start watching Mars | EarthSky.org

In the year 2018, Mars was brighter than all the stars. It was even brighter than the second-brightest planet, Jupiter. It was a blazing red dot of flame in our night sky for several months. In 2019, Mars was mostly faint. It was barely noticeable in our sky.

Join us tonight, Wednesday 9/9 @ 6:00 PM for our virtual program “Tour of the Solar System.” Email LBmartin@cityofwestminster.us to register for this free virtual program.

Check back each weekday @ 5:00 pm for more observing guides and science news!

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Stay well, and clear skies!