Mars is about to reveal itself in stunning detail, offering a rare opportunity for stargazers to witness the Red Planet up close. From now until February 23, 2025, Mars will be visible in the night sky, with its retrograde motion providing a unique chance to track the planet’s progress.
The first event to look out for is the Martian Retrograde, which began on December 7, 2024, and will continue throughout January. By observing Mars’ position relative to nearby stars using free software like Stellarium or Stellarium Web, you can witness its retrograde motion. The planet becomes visible above the eastern horizon after 8:00 PM local time.
On January 13th, a rare occultation by the Moon is set to occur, where Mars will “disappear” behind the Moon for over an hour in some parts of the US. This event can be observed with the naked eye, binoculars, or a small telescope, depending on your location.
As you track Mars’ retrograde motion, its brightness will increase due to opposition, which occurs when the planet is directly opposite the Sun, seen from Earth. By January 16th, Mars will reach opposition, revealing more of its mysterious surface. This event requires clear skies and can be observed without being in a specific city.
Mars has captivated humanity for centuries, with early recorded observations dating back to the Bronze Age. Recent robotic missions have intensified exploration, including NASA’s five active missions. As we continue to reach for Mars’ soil through initiatives like the Moon to Mars Architecture and the Mars Sample Return campaign, the Red Planet remains a source of wonder and adventure.
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Source: https://scitechdaily.com/mars-ablaze-witness-retrograde-opposition-and-a-cosmic-dance-with-the-moon