Get ready for Mars

[Rockstar]

Get ready to see the Red Planet up close this summer: When Mars reaches opposition with the sun, observers on Earth will have their closest view of the planet since 2003.


...Leading up to this year's opposition in July, Mars will continue to brighten in our sky. By June 26, Mars will be just 44 million miles (70.8 million km) away, and from the perspective of skywatchers on Earth, it will appear five times brighter than usual. By the time the Red Planet reaches its closest point to earth, it will be a mere 35.8 million miles (57.6 million km) away and will have nearly doubled in brightness since June 26.


For about two months, between July 7 and Sept. 7 this year, Mars will brighten dramatically, outshining Jupiter and moving up in rank as the fourth-brightest object in Earth's sky after Venus, the moon and the sun.

https://www.space.com/40588-mars-at-opposition.html




I'm ready, though I'm on Delmarva and might be just a bit too far north to see Mars in all its glory. Hopefully the horizon is clear and I can get some decent images. Not going to have another opportunity like this until 2050.



Here's to clear and dark skies

[Buddahaid]

I, for one, will be watching for meteorites!

[Skybird]

Bright shine or not - if Mars enters my airspace I'll shoot him down.

[Jimbuna]

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!