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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
Mars in the Night Sky |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/gray.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![An illustration of the Earth and Mars in opposition. Click on the image to go to the 'Mars Opposition' page.](images/earth-mars-orbit01_th200.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
Mars Opposition
The distance to Mars varies from about 56 million kilometers
(about 35 million miles) to 400 million kilometers
(about 249 million miles). Why the difference?
And why so close now?
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![Mars Close Approaches](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/allabout/nightsky/images/EarthFromMars_th200.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090825135002im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
Mars Close Approaches
Close is a relative term. At its closest, Mars is still tens of millions of miles
away from Earth. Still, the decreased distance during "closest approach" allows for
fuel-conserving flights to Mars every 26 months and a good view of Mars once or
twice every 15 to 17 years for Earth-bound sky watchers.
For help viewing Mars, please contact your local Night Sky Network astronomy club.
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