Mars Apparition Notes
The 2022-2023 Mars apparition is underway! Be sure to check here for updates and examples of observations from your fellow observers. You can send your images and sketches to Mars@alpo-astronomy.org for inclusion in our online gallery and review by the section coordinators (please do follow the file naming guidelines when doing so.)
Mars News Headlines
Global Impact of Electricity in Dust Storms on Mars
2/16/2023
Mars is infamous for its intense dust storms, some of which kick up enough dust to be seen by telescopes on Earth. When dust particles rub against each other, as they do in Martian dust storms, they can become electrified. New research shows that one particularly efficient way to move chlorine from the ground to the air on Mars is by way of reactions set off by electrical discharge generated in dust activities.
Read More
Significant Marsquake
12/15/2022
The quake lasted four hours and identified layering in the crust that could indicate a meteoroid impact. The 4.7 magnitude temblor happened in May 2022 and released five times more energy than any previously recorded quake on Mars. Mapping the seismic activity on Mars will help inform scientists where and how to build structures to ensure the safety of future human explorers. Mapping the seismic activity, the location and frequency of impacts on Mars and the interior structure is important for future missions to the red planet as it will inform scientists and engineers where and how to build structures to ensure the safety of future human explorers.
Read More
Event Calendar
Sep 17, 2024
Mars reaches 7.0" in size
Oct 14, 2024
Mars at Western quadrature; large NPH should be visible
Nov 12, 2024
Equinox - Northern Spring/Southern Autumn;NPH breaking up