Our Near Neighbour: Mars Makes a Near Pass

http://observe.arc.nasa.gov/nasa/gallery/image

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Mars will be a mere 69 million miles from Earth, and continue it's near orbit for the rest of the year. The "red planet" won't be this close to earth for another 13 years.


Planet Mars shone bright like red ruby, visible with naked eye
Chennai | October 31, 2005 2:43:49 AM IST


Skygazers were treated to a rare celestial event as Planet Mars shone like a bright red ruby during its closest encounter with Earth tonight.
In a rare phenomenon, the Red Planet, which was in the constellation of Taurus, came to a distance of about 69 million km from the Earth, making it visible with naked eye.

''It will take several years for Mars to appear this bright again,'' scientists said.

The Birla planetarium here made elaborate arrangements for the public to view the rare spectacle.

UNI AKN ROY VA BS1932