Age of Mars

Not many people have taken notice, but - astronomically speaking - we are currently in an age dominated by Mars.

Not only are there several robotic missions on their way to the red planet, but Mars is also going to be as close to Earth as it has not been in 59.600 years.

Coming August 27th, Earth and Mars will be only 55,758,006 kilometers apart - still quite a distance, but it will offer astronomers a good chance for some great pictures.

And even without a telescope you can take a look at Mars right now after sunset and you will see it as a bright, orange-red point of light, much brighter than any other star.

It is worth reflecting about that not since the Neanderthals has anybody seen Mars like this...