Mars is bright tonight: Space Place, Washburn plan programs

This is the month when Mars reaches the most interesting part of its path through the sky — for Earthlings, anyway.

Mars will reach the point in the sky directly opposite the sun — the moment astronomers call “opposition.” Mars is then closest to Earth and at its peak of size and brightness from Earth’s point of view, says Jim Lattis, director of UW Space Place 1605 S. Park St., Madison.

Lattis will discuss Mars, opposition and other related information at a free public talk tonight, June 12, at 7 p.m. at Space Place.

Meanwhile, the Department of Astronomy will open UW–Madison’s historic Washburn Observatory to the public for Mars viewing, if the sky is clear, on the nights of June 13-15. Visitors may view Mars through Washburn’s large telescope.

Opposition occurs every 2.13 years, and some oppositions present better viewing opportunities than others. Lattis says this is the best opposition since 1988.

This week, look for Mars to rise in the southeast around 8:45 p.m. between Sagittarius and Scorpius, just east of the bright star Antares. Mars also is visible all night because it rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Opposition will be Wednesday, June 13, but Mars will be glorious any time this month, Lattis says.