This month Mars is at opposition (opposite the sun in the sky as seen from Earth). This means our planet is closer to Mars and thus Mars is brighter (-1.5 mag) in our sky, well placed for telescopic observation and generally a lot more interesting to view. Here are some keys dates. On April 8,  2014 Mars will be at opposition (distance to earth: 0.621 AU, brightness: -1.5 mag, diameter: 15.08″). On April 14, 2014 Mars makes its closest approach to Earth (distance to earth: 0.618 AU, brightness: -1.4 mag, diameter: 15.16″). This will be a great time to get out and observe the red planet through a telescope, it’s polar ice caps and light and dark regions, and also how the planet changes over time. It’s not uncommon for dust storms to occur and totally change how we see the planet.

The diagram above shows Mars (upper right) and the Moon next to the first magnitude blue-white star Spica in Virgo at 2:46 a.m. CDT on Tuesday morning, April 15th. Not only is it Tax Day but Mars will be big and bright and the Moon will be at the deepest point of eclipse. The Moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow on this night (April 14-15) and a total lunar eclipse will be visible. It should be a beautiful sight weather permitting of course.

Below is a picture I took of the total lunar eclipse of February 20, 2008. It shows what you can expect the Moon to look like around totality. Beautiful hues of red and orange will be visible on our cratered neighbor.

 

So get ready for a month of seeing red!  Mars and the Moon will not disappoint. Oh, I almost forgot to remind you that every two years when Mars comes into opposition the bogus “Mars as big as the full  Moon” and “Mars’ Closest Approach to Earth Ever!” emails start circulating faster than you can say Mars. Please do not be fall victim to this old and tired hoax. However, if I’ve peaked your curiosity you can learn more about the email I’m referencing on snopes.com.