This article has been revised to correct the inaccurate positions of Mars and Earth.
 

This month, Mars will shine with remarkable brightness and size as it reaches its nearest point to Earth while being directly opposite the sun.

Mars will be closest to Earth on January 12 and will align perfectly opposite the sun on January 15. It will be visible throughout the night, rising alongside the sunset and setting with the sunrise.

What Does Mars in Opposition Mean?

The Sun is the central body around which all planets in the Solar System revolve. Occasionally, Earth aligns directly between the Sun and another planet, which allows for optimal viewing conditions. This alignment is when Mars is considered ‘in opposition,’ with the sun fully illuminating it.

Mars undergoes opposition roughly every two years, coinciding with its retrograde motion that started on December 7 and will continue until February 23.

Retrograde motion refers to the phenomenon where a planet seems to move backward across the night sky from the perspective of Earth. Mars experiences this retrograde phase approximately every 26 months, lasting around 2½ months, making it the least frequent of all planets in our solar system.

Best Viewing Locations for Mars in Opposition

On January 15, Mars will rise in the eastern sky at sunset and will be visible through the entire night, located near the constellation Gemini.

Interesting Facts About Mars

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is often referred to as the Red Planet due to its rich iron minerals, which oxidize and create a reddish hue.

This distinctive red color has fascinated humans throughout history and across various civilizations. The Romans named it after their god of war because of its bloody appearance, while the Egyptians called it “Her Desher,” meaning “the red one.”

Mars takes 687 days, equal to 1.8 years, to complete its orbit around the sun. It has two moons, known as Phobos and Deimos.
This article was updated to include further information.