Look Up! Mars Is Closer To Earth Than It Will Be Again Until 2287

Mars
This Aug. 26, 2003 image made available by NASA shows Mars as it lines up with the Sun and the Earth. Photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, it was about 55.8 million kilometers (34.6 million miles) from Earth.
Mars
This Aug. 26, 2003 image made available by NASA shows Mars as it lines up with the Sun and the Earth. Photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, it was about 55.8 million kilometers (34.6 million miles) from Earth.

Look Up! Mars Is Closer To Earth Than It Will Be Again Until 2287

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Mars and Earth snuggled up closer to one another Tuesday night than they will again until the year 2287, and it’s not too late to observe this rare celestial phenomenon.

Throughout the week, the Red Planet will appear very large and bright, dimming and receding by mid-August as the planets move further away from one another.

You can see the action with the naked eye or enhance your view with a telescope. Just direct your attention to the southwest.

Morning Shift checks in with an expert from the Adler Planetarium to hear more about why Mars and Earth are so close to one another right now and how you can experience the fun.

GUEST: Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium

LEARN MORE: Mars Is At Its Closest To Earth Since 2003 Today! It’s Won’t Be Closer Until 2287 (Space.com 7/31/18)

Mars Opposition 2018: How To See Its Closest Approach To Earth (New York Times 7/26/18)