Today's Image

Planet Mars in front of Leo

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October 26, 2013

View larger. | EarthSky Facebook friend Tom Wildoner captured this image of the planet Mars in front of the constellation Leo on October 23, 2013. The view is toward the east before dawn. Thanks, Tom!

The planet Mars has an approximate two-year orbit around the sun, and it alternates years in appearing bright in Earth’s sky. Although 2013 has not been one of Mars’ good years, 2014 will be much better. Mars has now returned to the east before dawn in preparation for its brightening and becoming visible more hours of the night, as the months pass. EarthSky Facebook friend Thomas Wildoner captured and composed this wonderful image of Mars in front of the constellation Leo. That’s where you’ll find Mars now, if you look, in the east before dawn.

Thank you, Tom!

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October 26, 2013

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Deborah Byrd

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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.