The New Zealand Herald

I see red, I see red, I see Mars

- — Jamie Morton

Mars is paying us its closest visit for the next 17 years, making the red planet appear bigger and brighter than usual.

While Earth and Mars follow elliptical or oval-shaped orbits around the Sun, the fact our planet is closer than Mars means Earth speeds along its orbit faster.

This meant Earth effectivel­y took two trips around the Sun in the same time it took for Mars to make just a single circuit.

When Earth lined up directly between Mars and the Sun, this put Mars in “opposition” — an occurrence that took place about every two years, and next occurs on July 27. But astronomer­s say this year’s opposition will be all the more special.

Mars’ perihelion was the point when the planet was closest to the Sun in its orbit.

When this occurred within a few weeks of opposition, a “perihelic opposition” resulted, and Mars appeared even bigger and brighter.

Such events only happen about every 17 years — and some bring us closer than others.

The 2003 opposition was especially significan­t, being the closest opposition in the past 60,000 years.

While this year’s conditions wouldn’t be quite as extraordin­ary, Mars would still only appear 4 per cent smaller than that spectacle.

It was likely the next time the two planets are at perihelic opposition, in 2035, humans will have walked upon the surface of Mars. Star-gazers should have several weeks to get an up-close view of Mars.

Auckland’s Stardome observator­y is celebratin­g with a series of “Mad About Mars” events running this month and next with its historic Zeiss telescope. It is open for extended hours and discounted rates.

HFor the best viewing times go to nzherald.co.nz

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