When to observe
Oppositions occur roughly every 26 months as Earth passes between the Sun and Mars. These are especially rewarding observing periods. Closest approach to Earth does not necessarily fall on the day of opposition.
UNIVERSUM · MARS
Observe Mars
Choose a time and location, then prepare to observe an orange point of light or a small telescopic disk.
Mars at your chosen time
UTC time, without automatic conversion from your local time. South latitude and west longitude are negative. The suggested location is Luxembourg; you can change it.
Positions calculated with Astronomy Engine. Theoretical horizon and standard refraction; terrain, weather and turbulence are not included. Size, distance and magnitude are rounded geocentric values. Never point an instrument at the Sun.
Mars in the planetarium →Naked eye and binoculars
Look for an orange point that slowly moves among the stars. Binoculars help locate it but generally reveal no surface detail. Its brightness changes considerably over the months.
Through a telescope
Choose a time when Mars is high, let your telescope reach ambient temperature and wait for steady air. Begin at low power and increase gradually. Depending on apparent size and conditions, a polar cap or dark markings may appear. Probe-level detail is not available this way.
Sources and credits
Space-mission images; mosaics and processing are identified in the credits. NASA/JPL · Image use
Educational reference values and sources checked on 23 October 2026.