Mars is a planet located 230 million kilometers from the Sun and receiving light and heat 2 times less than the Earth. It is about this planet that there are a lot of rumors, stories and legends, it is it that is described not only by scientific books and publications, but also by many fantastic magazines. It is about the Martians that we have heard a lot since childhood, and it is on Mars that both adults and children dream of visiting. Many people simply dream of seeing Mars, not suspecting that it is possible to do this even without the special equipment provided for this.
Instructions
Step 1
We would like to note right away that the most favorable period in order to see (observe) the planet Mars without special equipment is the era of opposition, and unfavorable - on the contrary, the era of conjunction, when it is simply impossible to see the planet without a telescope. This is due to the fact that during the period of opposition, the orbit of Mars comes closest to the Earth and in some cases can reach 55 million kilometers; in addition, the altitude (declination) of the planet above the horizon at the moment of opposition is most noticeable and pronounced.
Step 2
Wait for the era of confrontation. If you are not an astronomer and have no idea about the change of eras, you can find out information about this from special magazines or other news that astronomers provide. We can add only one thing, a favorable epoch for observing Mars happens only once every 15 years.
Step 3
Wait until dark. Climb to the height of a multi-storey building or stand in a place that is not closed by buildings, that is, it is an open space.
Step 4
Find the planet in the sky that will be the second largest planet after the moon in the night sky at the time of opposition. It will be a fairly large reddish star. Mars will be different from thousands of other stars not only in size and color, but also in brightness, which will simply dazzle, unlike other stars.
Step 5
Remember - this phenomenon occurs only once in 15-17 years. You can observe the famous Red Planet during this period every day for 1-2 weeks, depending on weather conditions. Do not miss such an action, enjoy the beauty of the orange "star".
