Mars is going to be the closest to Earth it's been in a decade

Mars’ close approach, the shortest distance from Earth it can be, is almost here. This is the first time in over a decade that we’ll be able to observe the Red Planet from this close, a distance of 75.3 million kilometres.

The last time Earth and Mars were this close was only in 2005. The closest point itself will be at 3:04 am (IST) on May 31, but telescopic viewing should still be favourable all the way up to June 3. And if you own a telescope or binoculars, this is definitely an opportunity to take. The shorter distance means Mars will appear brighter and slightly larger in the night sky, enough to spot even with the naked eye.

See #Mars tonight—no scope required. Look up & to the right of the #moon  https://t.co/u67IRW2IML #MarsOpposition pic.twitter.com/jhDuGcydTF

— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) May 22, 2016

Oh, and don’t be fooled by rumours doing the rounds, that say Mars will appear as large as the Moon. That little hoax has been doing the rounds since 2003. And if you miss this Mars close approach, you’re going to have to wait until July 31, 2018.