At a Glance

The Red Planet will appear brighter and larger as it draws close to Earth on Tuesday. It will pass within 35.8 million miles from Earth. The next close approach will occur in 2020.

Mars will make its closest approach to earth in 15 years on Tuesday, giving stargazers agreat opportunity to see theRed Planet.

At just 35.8 million miles from Earth as it makes itsway around the sun, and brighter than usual,NASA reports.

Every 26 months or so, Mars swings by Earth at varying distances as both planetsmake ellipticalorbits around the sun. NASA notes that many missions to Mars coincide with these close approaches.

It should be relatively easy to spot Mars, as long as cloud cover is minimal.

It will be visible much of the night, so just look for a bright star with a reddish hue. Only Venus will appear brighter.

In the U.S.,Mars reaches its highest point around midnight about 35 degrees above the southern horizonor one-third of the distance between the horizon and overhead, NASA notes.

Although it's still early to forecast, a large-scale weather pattern could bring clouds over the eastern states next week, as a southward plunge of the jet stream generates showers and thunderstorms, says weather.commeteorologist Chris Dolce. Areas from the Plains to the West would have the best view ofMars as it passes Earth.

As Mars draws near, it will grow brighter and appear larger. Astronomers say the planet will continue to cast its bright glow intothe beginning weeks of August but will fade by mid-August.

Mars will appear brightest from July 27 to July 30. Its closest approach to Earth is July 31. That is the point in Mars' orbit when it comes closest to Earth. Mars will be at a distance of 35.8 million miles.

(NASA)

A massive dust storm that has engulfed the planet will make viewing surface details more difficultthan it typically would be for those using a telescope, but the dust also reflects the sun'slight better, making the planet appear all that much brighter.

“It’s magnificent. It’s as bright as an airplane landing light,” Widener University astronomer Harry Augensen tells The Associated Press. “Not quite as bright as Venus, but still because of the reddish, orange-ish-red color, you really can’t miss it in the sky.”

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The planet's closest approach to Earth occurred in2003when the two planets drew within34.6 million miles, the closest approach in nearly 60,000 years. NASA says an approach that close won’t happen again until 2287.

The will occur in 2020when the Red Planet will be within38.6 million miles.

On Friday, Mars will be in opposition, which means the sun and the Red Planet will be on the opposite side of Earth. It also coincides with the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century, which will last 1hour, 43 minutes. It willl only be visible to some parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

The eclipse will not be visible in the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States.