Everything You Need to Know About Mars Opposition

Posted: December 8, 2022 10:45 am

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If you are lucky enough to have clear conditions in your corner of the country on Thursday night, you will want to be sure to make time to gaze up at the night skies to catch a glimpse of Mars. The red planet will not be shining this brightly again until 2025 with Thursday identified as the peak viewing night to see the much-anticipated Mars opposition. Here is what you need to know about this celestial event.

How to Spot Mars in the Night Sky

Mars is set to reach opposition on December 8, making this night one of the best opportunities over the last two years to see the glowing planet in all of its glory. There is no doubt that Mars has had a special place in astronomical lore with many scientists speculating if there is indeed life on the neighboring planet.

Opposition is the astronomical term used to define when a celestial body is located on the opposite side of the Earth than the sun. Mars will rise shortly after the sun goes down in the eastern night skies before making a journey to the western sky prior to sunrise. The planet will remain visible above the horizon for the most of the night.

Mars hits opposition only one every 26 months, meaning it was October of 2020 the last time that the planet was at this stage. The next Mars opposition will not occur until 2025.

Because Mars will be closest to Earth at this time, the planet will appear particularly bright to stargazers. It is not unusual for planets and other celestial objects to appear brighter as they approach Earth. However, the illumination of Mars is particularly notable. You are not going to want to miss this celestial sight.

Viewing Conditions for Mars Opposition

The best viewing conditions for Thursday’s opposition event will be throughout the central Plains, the interior Southwest, the Gulf Coast, and the northern tier of New England. If you do not luck out with the weather in your neck of the woods on December 8, keep in mind that while Thursday is the peak of the opposition, any cloud-free night this month will be a good time to try to spot the prominent object in the sky.

The red hue of Mars will be evident as you look for the planet. This color makes it easy to distinguish from the traditional white stars and planets.

You will be able to spot Mars with the naked eye. However, leaning on the use of a telescope or even a pair of binoculars will heighten the viewing experience.

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