Mars Has Close Encounter With Earth Tonight

by Tariq Malik, SPACE.com Managing Editor

Date: 05 March 2012 Time: 03:25 PM ET

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This sky map shows where Mars will appear in the eastern sky on March 5, 2012 at 8 p.m. local time to observers at mid-northern latitudes. CREDIT: Starry Night Software View full size image

The planet Mars will make its closest swing by Earth in more than two years tonight (March 5), just days after reaching a celestial milestone called "opposition" as it circles the sun.
Tonight, the orbit of Mars will bring the Red Planet within about 63 million miles (112 million kilometers) of Earth. At this time, Mars is closer to Earth than at any other point of its 26-month journey around the sun.

MORE: http://www.space.com/14788-mars-close-encounter-earth-skywatching.html







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