Finding Mars

Another easy planet to find without a telescope or binoculars. Mars is viewed as a distinct, reddish object, and is more prominent in some years than others. Consult a current astronomy magazine. Since Mars is farther from the Sun than Earth is, it can appear anywhere in the sky. It doesn't stay close to the Sun like the inner planets do.

Clues for Viewing

When closest to Earth, it can be a mere 38 million miles from us and twice as bright as Sirius, the brightest star. At other times, the eccentricity of its orbit may place it about 250 million miles away. This far from Earth it looks tiny even through small telescopes. Using a telescope, you may be able to see Mars's polar caps grow or shrink as seasons change. You may also be able to see the dark surface features in its southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, you may see Mare Acidalium. If you don't see any details on Mars, there might be a dust storm brewing.