You might be able to spot the big red planet this Wednesday with your bare eyes.

The Sharpest View Of Mars Ever Taken From Earth
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The Big Red One

Let's start here; do you know why Mars is red? The simple answer is, Mars is rusty. The exterior of Mars is covered in iron oxide. Occasionally the dust on the planet will get kicked up making things seem even redder. You should actually be able to see a faint red-orange color on Wednesday if you know where to look, and there's no clouds or light pollution to get in the way.

ESA's Mars Express Returns Images Of Echus Chasma
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We Have A Visitor

This past Sunday Mars got as close as it gets to earth, and this Wednesday it's in full opposition to the sun, making it easier to see in the night sky. This happens because it's fully illuminated by the sun. You should be able to see the planet just after sunset if you look towards the east.

Simulated Mars Rover At Walt Disney World Resort
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More Mars Facts

While we're here, let's learn a little more. I don't know why, but I personally always though Mars was bigger than earth. If I would have paid attention in school, I wouldn't have been surprised to find out that Mars is actually about half the size of the earth. Also, due to the t.v. show you probably know that Earth is "The Third Rock From The Sun", this would make Mars, "The Fourth Rock From The Sun".

ESA's Mars Express Returns Images Of Echus Chasma
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How We Compare

Mars does share some other similarities with earth, like a "day" that's only 37 minutes longer than ours. The planet also has polar icecaps like earth, as well as canyons and extinct volcanos. Mars also does Earth one better, by having two moons. Don't forget to have a look at the red planet just after dusk this Wednesday.

 

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