The rare alignment brings the Red Planet closer, offering an exceptional viewing opportunity for stargazers.
On 16 January, Singapore will have a unique opportunity to witness Mars at its brightest and closest to Earth for the year. This remarkable event, known as “Mars opposition,” occurs when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and Mars, providing optimal conditions for observation, weather permitting.
What is Mars Opposition?
Mars opposition happens when Earth, Mars, and the Sun form a straight line, bringing the Red Planet to its closest point to Earth for the year. The planet will appear fully illuminated, giving it a larger, brighter, and distinct reddish hue in the night sky—ideal for observation.
When and Where to View Mars?
The celestial show will begin around 7:30 PM on 16 January, with Mars reaching its highest point in the sky by 1:00 AM on 17 January. Ideal viewing times will be around 8:30 PM, according to the Observatory at Science Centre Singapore. Locations with clear, open skies such as Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and Southern Ridges will provide the best unobstructed views. To the naked eye, Mars will resemble a reddish “star,” though a telescope will reveal its polar caps and surface features.
However, the Meteorological Service Singapore has forecasted possible thundery showers on the afternoon of 16 January, which may impact visibility. Stargazers also have the option to observe Mars on 17 January during the Science Centre’s Stargazing and Digital Planetarium event at the Omni Theatre.
A Rare Viewing Event
Mars opposition occurs approximately once every two years, thanks to the differing orbital paths of Earth and Mars. Following this event, the next Mars opposition will occur on 19 February 2027, with subsequent opportunities on 25 March 2029. The previous opposition took place on 8 December 2022.
This celestial occurrence provides a fantastic opportunity to view the Red Planet in its full splendour, making it a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts across Singapore.
