MARS IS NOW BRIGHTER THAN SIRIUS: Mars is approaching Earth for one of its best apparitions since 2003. Earlier this week, the Red Planet crossed an important threshold. It is now brighter than Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Amateur astronomers are capturing amazing images of Mars using ordinary telescopes, and the best is yet to come. Visit Spaceweather.com for observing tips.
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Above: One hour of Mars on Aug. 18, 2020, as seen through a 14-inch telescope. Credit: Maximilian Teodorescu of Magurele, Romania
