Get ready to catch Mars in the night sky. Soon the next approach to Earth is expected in 15 years. On July 31, both planets will be only 57.6 million km away, and on July 27 Mars will establish itself in opposition, that is, the planet and the Sun will be located on opposite sides of us. On the same day, it will be possible to observe a total lunar eclipse.
Mars already seems brighter than usual and every day its power increases. An excellent review is expected in early August. There is also a massive dust storm that engulfed the Red Planet. This dark spot can be observed through telescopes. The atmosphere is so dusty that NASA's Opportunity Rover cannot recharge its batteries due to lack of sunlight. Therefore, the device does not function since June 10 and remains in sleep mode. But the dust is and good news. It reflects sunlight, forming an even brighter picture of the Red Planet. In 2003, Mars and Earth were at a distance of 55.7 million km, which was the closest approach in 60,000 years. This will not happen again until 2287. But the next approach is scheduled for 2020 and will be 62 million km.
