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Mars gears up for its closest approach to Earth in over a decade (Synopsis) [Starts With A Bang]
“This is the plan. Get your ass to Mars, and go to the Hilton Hotel and flash the fake Brubaker I.D. at the front desk, that’s all there is to it. Just do as I tell you.” –Total Recall
Every two years, Earth passes Mars in orbit, as the inner, faster world overtakes the outer one. This year, it happens when Earth approaches aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun, while Mars approaches perihelion, or its closest approach.
Earth’s and Mars’ orbits, to scale, as viewed from the Solar System’s north direction. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons user Areong under a c.c.a.-s.a.-2.5 license.
On May 30th, the two worlds pass within just 0.51 A.U. (76 million km) of one another, their closest encounter since 2005. While Mars will still appear as no more than a point to unaided human vision, telescopes will provide absolutely spectacular views during the next three months. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait two years for views this good, and then you won’t get them again until 2035.
Varying views of Mars near opposition over the course of many years, from 1995-2005. Image credit: NASA/Hubble Heritage team, via https://www.flickr.com/photos/hubble-heritage/3195427662.
Go get the whole story — and some amazing pictures — to start your week off right!
Source: http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2016/04/18/mars-gears-up-for-its-closest-approach-to-earth-in-over-a-decade-synopsis/
