Once every two years Mars’ orbit brings it close to Earth
allowing it to shine its biggest and brightest to the naked eye
and telescope – and on the evening of March 5 the Red Planet
will reach its closest approach to Earth for 2012. Only 62.6
million miles will separate our two worlds as it just passes
official opposition – when Mars is directly opposite the Sun
from us only two days before on March 3. Step outside on any
clear night- about a half hour after local sunset and look
towards the east. Mars is easy to spot as yellowish-orange
light, shining brighter than anything else in that part of the
night sky, except for the Moon. By the way, If you are having
problems positively identifying Mars, then you will find the
full moon conveniently sitting next to it on March 7 – both
rising in the east around sunset. By local midnight you will
find Mars shining high in the south. The entire month of March,
until end of April is your best bet in terms of observing the
Red Planet through a telescope as the planetar