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SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): On Jan 16, those in Singapore will have the opportunity to witness Mars at its closest, brightest, and most vivid this year.
The Red Planet will be in opposition, an astronomical term, and this will allow skywatchers to view it from various parts of the world, including Singapore.
What is Mars in opposition?
Mars in opposition occurs when Earth passes directly between Mars and the Sun, aligning the three celestial bodies in a straight line.
This alignment means Mars is at its closest approach to Earth for the year and fully illuminated by the Sun, making it appear bigger, brighter, and redder - a perfect time to spot it in the night sky.
When will it happen?
Starting at around 7.30pm on Jan 16, Mars will be visible as it rises in the sky. It will reach an easily appreciable height by around 8.30pm, the Observatory at Science Centre Singapore told The Straits Times.
For those staying up late, the planet will climb to its highest point at around 1am on Jan 17.
Where can I see it from?
Mars, which is the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system, can be easily admired from anywhere in Singapore, provided the skies are clear.
Open spaces like Marina Barrage, East Coast Park and Southern Ridges may provide unobstructed and potentially elevated view of Mars with panoramic views of the city skyline.
Mars will be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a reddish star. But to catch the finer surface details, like its polar caps or darker regions, a telescope would be useful.
However, the Red Planet will be visible only if the skies are clear. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore website, thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on Jan 16.
If the skies are clear, said the Observatory, Mars should still be visible during its Stargazing and Digital Planetarium live show on the evening of Jan 17, which is a ticketed event at the Omni Theatre. There will not be a viewing session organised specially for the Jan 16 opposition.
Once in two years
Mars oppositions are special because they happen roughly every two years. Why? It is all about the planets’ orbits: Earth takes a year to circle the Sun, while Mars takes about two.
It means the next opposition will not occur until Feb 19, 2027, followed by March 25, 2029, The Observatory says. For those keeping track, the last one graced our skies on Dec 8, 2022. - The Straits Times/ANN
