Today's Image

New Hubble image of Mars

Posted by
Deborah Byrd
and
May 21, 2016
View larger. | This image shows our neighbouring planet Mars, as it was observed shortly before opposition in 2016 by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Some prominent features of the planet are clearly visible: the ancient and inactive shield volcano Syrtis Major; the bright and oval Hellas Planitia basin; the heavily eroded Arabia Terra in the centre of the image; the dark features of Sinus Sabaeous and Sinus Meridiani along the equator; and the small southern polar cap. Image via NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team, J. Bell, M. Wolff.
View larger. | Mars, as it was observed by the Hubble Space Telescope on May 12, 2016, shortly before its opposition on May 22. Read more about this image from Hubble. Image via NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team, J. Bell, M. Wolff.

On May 19, 2016, the Hubble Space Telescope released this new image of Mars. It’s in honor of the upcoming passage of Earth between Mars and the sun this weekend, when Mars will be closer and brighter than at any time in the last 10 years.

Mars’ nearness to Earth in our sky right now makes it appear each evening as a very bright reddish “star.” It’s ascending in the eastern sky each night as the sun is sinking below the western horizon.

Mars is lots of fun to view with the eye, and astrophotographers around the globe will be trying to captured its photo. Follow the links below to learn more about this 2016 opposition of Mars and remember to watch for it!

On Saturday, May 21 … Blue moon and red Mars

On Sunday, May 22 … Brightest Mars in 10 years

Guide to Mars’ opposition on May 22

Mars closest to Earth on May 30

Mars oppositions 2010 – 2022

View larger. | Same image as above, with some prominent features on the surface of the planet annotated.
View larger. | Same image as above, with some prominent features on the surface of the planet annotated. Read more about this image from Hubble. Image via NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team, J. Bell, M. Wolff.

Bottom line: New Hubble Space Telescope image of Mars, acquired in honor of Mars’ 2016 opposition, closest one in 10 years.

Posted 
May 21, 2016
 in 
Today's Image

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.

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