Martian Encounter This Month
December 21st 2007 07:27
Mars encounter Dec 2007
This month is the closest Mars has been to Earth in about 26 months this occurred on 20th December 21, 2007
Mars and Earth have a "close encounter" about every 26 months. These brief encounters are due to the differences in the two planets' orbits.
Although Mars is no where near as close as it was in 2003 and it may not mean much of a distance but in astronomical terms it is significant.
I did manage to get a great look through my telescope back in 2003 and even to the naked eye the red colour of Mars was spectacular.
The usual distance from Earth to Mars is in the excess of 92 million miles away the current distance is a mere 88 million miles .
You will be able to see Mars this evening look to north east low to the horizon you be able to notice a small reddish looking “star”. If you have a telescope or binoculars you will be able to see a small reddish disk.
I have enclosed an image map as a guide on where to look.
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