Mars shines big and bright

January 2010: Once every 26 months or so, the Red Planet makes a grand appearance. That time is now.

By Alister Ling

By Martin Ratcliffe

Published: November 23, 2009

The Red Planet looms large this month as it comes close to Earth. A small telescope will reveal dusky surface markings and the icy north polar cap.

Photo by ESA/MPS

One of the great pleasures in observing the night sky is viewing the planets through a telescope. At almost any time of the year, either Jupiter or Saturn (or both) will be on display. Add to those the occasional appearances of Mercury and Venus, and there's always something new to see.

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	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—

	Mercury	Mercury	Venus	Venus
RISE	—		—
SET	—		—
		—		—

	Mars	Mars	Jupiter	Jupiter	Saturn	Saturn
RISE	—		—		—
SET	—		—		—
		—		—		—