Mars' opposition will occur on Thursday. This phenomenon happens every 26 months, so it is worth looking at the sky and looking for a bright, orange point.
On Thursday we will have the opportunity to see an interesting astronomical phenomenon – the opposition of Mars. “It's the best time of year to see it!” – wrote Karol Wójcicki, popularizer of astronomy, author of the blog “With your head in the stars” on social media.
Opposition – what kind of phenomenon is this?
Mars opposition occurs when the Earth is aligned between the Sun and the Red Planet.
“In the case of Mars, this happens every 26 months: previously it was in opposition on December 8, 2022, and the next one is on February 19, 2027, then on March 25, 2029,” wrote the astronomy popularizer. “During the 'opposition season' the planet is usually best visible: its brightness is high and the distance is relatively small, which directly translates into the size of the observed planet's shield. But even here the opposition is unequal” – added Karol Wójcicki.
Why is this happening? As the astronomy popularizer explained, due to the ellipticity of the orbits of both Earth and Mars, each Mars opposition is slightly different. The most favorable are the so-called perihelical oppositions, when the opposition coincides with Mars reaching perihelion – its closest approach to the Sun. “However, such oppositions occur approximately every 15-17 years. But today we are still almost half a year before Mars' perihelion” – he added.
Although Thursday's opposition will not be as spectacular as the one in 2022 (then the so-called Mars' Grand Opposition), then “it is always a good opportunity to observe the planet.”
How to observe?
Karol Wójcicki wrote that in the case of Mars, it is worth using a telescope. “By using the highest possible magnification available for your equipment (approx. 6-8 times the diameter of your telescope), you will be able to see not only the clear orange shield of the planet, but also darker regions consisting of volcanic rocks, or the white polar cap visible on the planet's north pole! – he added.
Head in the stars, tvnmeteo.pl
Main photo source: NASA/JPL-Caltech