KATHMANDU: Mars, the second-smallest planet in the solar system, is emerging at its largest and brightest from the earth today.
NASA has said the Red Planet is appearing at its biggest and brightest as it lines up with the Earth on the same side of the Sun.
Every 26 months, the pair take up this position, moving close together, before then diverging again on their separate orbits around our star.
All three bodies will be in a straight line at 23:20 GMT (00:20 BST), on Tuesday, which is a rare event, according to astronomers.
Earlier, Earth and Mars had made their closest approach – just 58 million km apart – in 2018, but what makes this occasion a little more special for astrophotographers in the Northern Hemisphere is the Red Planet’s elevation in the sky.
Even though it can be viewed through a telescope, for the sharpest and perfect view, one should go to a nearby astronomy science center.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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