Close Up View of Mars next Wednesday

August 22, 2003

Wednesday night, Mars will make its closest approach to Earth in 60,000 years. The "Red Planet" will be about 34.6 million miles away; 1.9 million miles closer than in 1988. Weather permitting, Mars will be a distinct orange glow in the southeastern sky, and should be visible any time after 10:30 p.m.

Despite the relatively close proximity, details of the planet, such as its polar caps and desert, still require the use of a powerful telescope for viewing.