Mars
Also called: the red planet
A small, orange-red planet that is bright for a few months every two years, and a faint reddish star the rest of the time.
- Type
- Planets
- Best season
- Any time of year
- Gear
- Naked eye
- When to look
- Brightest around opposition, which comes about every 26 months
- Appearance
- A steady orange-red point of light
- Orbit
- About 687 days around the Sun
- Opposition
- About every 26 months, when Mars is closest and brightest
- Telescope
- Shows a small disc, and dark markings and a polar cap near opposition
What you will see
- A reddish-orange 'star' that does not twinkle much.
- In a telescope near opposition, a small disc with dark surface markings and a white polar cap.
- A faint reddish star during the years away from opposition.
How to watch
- Look for the reddish color, which stands out among white stars.
- Use an app to find the date of opposition.
- A telescope shows detail only near opposition.
Field notes
Mars has a distinctive color and is often mistaken for a red star. It is closest to Earth about every two years, so for a few months it is easy to find.
Related guides
Dates and times repeat from year to year but shift slightly, and the Moon's phase and the planets' positions are different every year. Check a current source such as NASA, the American Meteor Society, or a stargazing app before you plan a night out, and check the weather forecast for clear skies.