Mars to make a rare close pass to earth which won’t be seen for another 300 years

Earth size compared to Mars. CREDIT: NASA

Usually at a a distance of 149millions miles, mars will make it’s closest approach past earth in the last 11 years.

The planet will come millions of miles closer on May 30th, the red planet will only be at a distance of 42.7million miles.

May/June will see a brighter bigger mars

Mars will be visible for much of the night on May 30th May if the skies are clear and should be able to be seen without a telescope or binoculars, the planet will remain close and bright for a further 2 weeks.

The next chance to see the red planet this close to the earth will be in another 300 years time.

Earth is about to lap Mars and then Saturn in their race around the sun. Get details on how and when to watch:https://t.co/TQft0Z97iC

— NASA (@NASA) May 23, 2016

Robin Scagell, vice-president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: “I observed (Mars) through quite a small five inch reflecting telescope at the beginning of the month and could see a surprising amount of detail.

He added: “If you want to see some detail you need a telescope with 75 – 100 times magnification. The best time to see it is around 1am.