Mars to come closest to Earth on July 31

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On July 31, Mars and Earth will be just 35.8 million miles (somewhat, 57.6 million kilometers) apart
On July 31, Mars and Earth will be just 35.8 million miles (somewhat, 57.6 million kilometers) apart

New Delhi : Indeed, big news for sky watchers! Soon after the watching the century longest lunar eclipse to take place on July 27-28, be ready to enjoy a close view of the Mars. Yes, scientists have confirmed that next week, the red planet is making its closest approach to Earth in 15 years. The two planets will be just 35.8 million miles (somewhat, 57.6 million kilometers) apart next Tuesday i.e on July 31. 

On July 27, Mars will be in opposition i.e Mars and the sun will be on exact opposite sides of Earth and major parts of the world will see a total lunar eclipse.

Reports suggest that Mars has turned much brighter than before and will shine even more, and appear bigger, as Tuesday approaches. Astronomers believe that sky watchers can expect good viewing through early August.

Conversely, scientists say that a massive dust storm presently surrounding Mars, obscuring surface details which is normally visible through telescopes. The Martian atmosphere is full of dust that NASA's Opportunity rover can't recharge and not enough sunlight can reach its solar panels, and so it's been silent since June 10. Astronomers cannot expect to hear much until the storm subsides till then.

Meanwhile, the good news about all the Martian dust is that it reflects sunlight, which makes for an even brighter red planet, said Widener University astronomer Harry Augensen.

"It's magnificent. It's as bright as an airplane landing light," Augensen said. "Not quite as bright as Venus, but still because of the reddish, orange-ish-red color, you really can't miss it in the sky."