Planet
Mars
Orange-red. In a telescope it is small except for a few months around opposition.
Where to look
Like every planet, Mars moves against the stars along the ecliptic, the Sun’s path through the constellations of the zodiac, so where to look changes over the weeks and months. When it is up tonight, how high it climbs, its phase and the year ahead are worked out in your browser for your place.
Right now
What you will see
- EyesA steady orange-red point.
- Binoculars (10×50)A small orange dot.
- Small telescope (4–6 inch)A small orange disc; near opposition, dark markings and a polar cap.
Planets look best high up and in steady air; low down they shimmer and blur.
The year ahead
About
A cold desert planet with a thin CO₂ atmosphere. It has the highest volcano in the Solar System, Olympus Mons (21.9 km), and the 4000 km long canyon Valles Marineris. Its red color comes from iron oxide in the dust.
Facts
| Radius | 3390 km |
|---|---|
| Mass | 0.107 Earth masses |
| Orbital period | 687.0 days |
| Day | 24 h 37 min |
| Axial tilt | 25.2° |
| Moons | 2 |
From the StarsMenu Solar System model.