Mark your calendars for this Thursday (16 January) – Mars will be in opposition, shining brighter than any time since December 2022!

Mars in opposition is an astronomical event that occurs when Earth passes directly between Mars and the Sun. During the opposition, the Red Planet will be at its closest approach to Earth as well as brighter and more visible than any other time of the year.

Image credit: Pixabay

This celestial event should be easily visible anywhere in Singapore, even just with your naked eye, as long as the skies are clear!

About planet oppositions

1. What is a planet opposition?

In our Solar System, an opposition occurs when Earth lies directly between the Sun and another planet/planetary body, forming an imaginary straight line connecting all three.

About the upcoming Mars in opposition

1. What is Mars in opposition?

Mars in opposition is an astronomical event that occurs when Earth passes directly between Mars and the Sun.

During the opposition, the red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth for the year and will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter and more visible than any other time of the year.

2. When will Mars in opposition be visible?

Mars will begin rising around 7.30pm on 16 January and should be at an easily appreciable height at around 8.30pm onwards in Singapore, or when the sky is dark. Mars will reach its highest point in the sky at around 1am on 17 January local time.

3. Where is the best place to view Mars when it is in opposition?

Mars in opposition should be easily visible anywhere in Singapore as long as the skies are clear. For an unobstructed and potentially elevated view of Mars with panoramic views of the city skyline, visit open public areas like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and the Southern Ridges.

4. Can Mars in opposition be viewed with the naked eye?

Yes! During opposition, Mars is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. It can therefore be viewed with the naked eye and will appear as a reddish star. Having said that, a telescope would help further enhance some of the details on the planet’s surface.

It’s also worth noting that Mars’ appearance can vary depending on atmospheric conditions, clear skies and your specific location.

5. When will Mars next be in opposition?

Mars will next be in opposition 19 February 2027, then 25 March 2029. It was last in opposition on 8 December 2022.

6. Any other interesting facts about Mars in opposition?

The reason why Mars in opposition happens about every two years is because Mars takes that long to complete one orbit around the Sun. Since Earth orbits the Sun in one year, the two planets align every two years, bringing Mars closest to Earth.

7. Will the Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) hold a viewing session for Mars in opposition?

While SCOB will not be holding a viewing session specially for this opposition, Mars should still be visible during the public Stargazing and Digital Planetarium live show on 17 Jan, if the skies are clear.

Contributed by Science Centre Observatory.

🧧🏮 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025 🏮🧧

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