Mars will appear its biggest and brightest this month as it reaches its closest position to Earth while being opposite the sun. The Red Planet will be at its closest point to Earth, also known as perigee, on Jan. 12 and exactly opposite the sun on Jan. 15. This alignment provides optimal viewing conditions from Earth.
Mars’ opposition occurs about every two years and coincides with the planet’s retrograde motion. Retrograde occurs when a planet appears to be moving backward in the sky from Earth’s perspective. Mars retrogrades once every 26 months for about 2½ months.
To view Mars, look for it rising in the east at sunset on Jan. 15 and being visible all night long near the constellation Gemini. The planet is called the Red Planet due to its abundant iron minerals, which oxidize and make it appear red. Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and takes 687 days to orbit the sun.
This rare alignment provides a unique opportunity for Earthlings to witness Mars in all its glory.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/01/12/mars-in-opposition-january-2025/77510230007