Finding Mars Shining Bright in the Eastern Sky

Finding Mars is easy this week, as it shines brightly in the eastern sky, offering observers a chance to see a stunning view of Mars.

While the space agencies of the world send spacecraft to Mars, viewers on Earth have a golden (red?) opportunity to view that world in the eastern sky this week. Image credit: PIR04D/Pixabay

Mars is currently the target of multiple spacecraft, journeying to the planet in search of water, and perhaps signs of life. But, while space agencies around the globe send robotic explorers to Mars, the Red Planet also offers skygazers a chance to view the world as it shines brightly in the eastern sky each evening.

On October 6th, Mars will move closer to Earth than it will be at any time until the year 2035. At its closest, the Red Planet will be three times brighter than the brightest star in the sky, brighter than Jupiter, making finding Mars a breeze.

How to find Mars at its closest approach until 2035 — October 6, 2020. Created by The Cosmic Companion in The Sky Live.

As Mars and the Earth orbit the Sun, the distance between the two worlds constantly changes. The close approach of Mars on October 6 will be the closest the two worlds will come to each other for 15 years.

Named in honor of the Roman god of war, Mars was known to ancient civilizations. Finding Mars in the night sky is usually simple if one knows where to look.