Astronomy Essentials Today's Image

See it! This weekend’s moon near Mars

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Deborah Byrd

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July 1, 2018

Eliot Herman captured this image of the moon and Mars (lower right) on July 1, 2018. He wrote: “Great view of the pairing in Tucson, Arizona, with the brightening Mars glowing red.”

The moon and Mars, setting, on the morning of July 1, 2018, via Peter Lowenstein in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The bright dot near the horizon is Jupiter.

Bottom line: Want to see the planet Mars? It’ll be easy in the months ahead, because Mars will be so bright. Try EarthSky’s guide to the bright planets. Also, check out this article about why, this month, Mars will be brighter than since 2003.

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July 1, 2018

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Astronomy Essentials

Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:

Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.