Mars Reaches Opposition This Week, Appearing Bigger and Brighter in the Night Sky—Here's How to See It

On Thursday, January 16 Mars will reach opposition and appear bigger and brighter in the night sky. According to NASA, this exciting phenomenon only happens about once every two years.

Opposition is when a planet lies directly on the opposite side of Earth from the sun, forming a straight line. "This is around the time when the planet is at its closest to Earth, making it appear at its biggest and brightest," NASA states. The last time Mars reached opposition was on December 8, 2022.

The best time to view a superior planet is when it reaches opposition, according to The Naked-Eye Planets, a website ran by astronomy expert Martin J. Powell. This is partly because the planet's fully illuminated side is facing Earth, meaning the planet appears to shine the brightest it has all year—an effect visible to the naked eye.

Look east during sunset to view Mars in opposition. It will be visible all night long near the constellation Gemini. As the sun rises, Mars will be visible in the southwest, according to NASA. A telescope is recommended for optimal viewing, but stargazers will also be able to see Mars in opposition with their naked eye due to its brightness and apparent size.