Oppositions of Mars until 2037
Dates are in Universal Time. The distance is the one at the instant of opposition. In this list the closest opposition is that of September 15, 2035, at 0.382 AU.
| Opposition | Constellation | Distance | Kilometres | Closest to Earth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo | 0.678 AU | 101.4 million km | ||
| Virgo | 0.649 AU | 97.1 million km | ||
| Libra | 0.559 AU | 83.6 million km | ||
| Sagittarius | 0.427 AU | 63.9 million km | ||
| Pisces | 0.382 AU | 57.1 million km | ||
| Taurus | 0.500 AU | 74.7 million km |
What happens at opposition
At opposition the Earth passes between Mars and the Sun: the planet is opposite the Sun in our sky. It rises around sunset, is highest around midnight and sets around sunrise, so it is visible all night.
It is also the time of year when Mars is nearest and brightest, and when its disc is largest in a telescope. The good observing season lasts for several weeks on either side of the date.
Oppositions come back after one synodic period, the time Earth needs to catch up with the planet again. Around each opposition the planet moves retrograde for a few months.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next opposition of Mars?
The next opposition of Mars is on February 19, 2027, in 99 days, in Leo. Mars will be 0.678 AU from Earth (101.4 million km, 63.0 million miles).
How often is Mars at opposition?
The next ones are on February 19, 2027, March 25, 2029, May 4, 2031 and June 28, 2033. The interval is the synodic period of Mars.
Is Mars closest to Earth on the day of opposition?
Within a few days of it. The closest approach is slightly offset from the opposition because the orbits of Earth and Mars are ellipses; the table gives both dates.