This month and next, Earth will catch up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close: 2287.

 

Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and disturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years. But it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.

 

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification. It will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. To the naked eye Mars will look as large as the full moon!

 

It will rise in the east at 10 p.m. (GMT) and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. (GMT). By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history.

 

No-one alive today will ever have this chance again!

thanks for that i will have a gander

Ooooooooo I'm working nights tonight as well, I'll keep an eye out.

I like stuff like that will deffo have a look.

I can also post pictures of my moon if anyones interested :rofl: