Wednesday, December 7 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
Because Mars reaches opposition in December 2022, it’s the best month to view it. Mars’s opposition, when it’s opposite the Sun in our sky, means that it’s visible from sundown to sunup. During December, the red planet will also be at its brightest because it’s the closest Mars will be to Earth for the next two years.
Over the evening of December 7, as the Moon moves past Mars, it will pass in front of the red planet for much of North America and Europe. This is known as an occultation, as the Moon covers up or eclipses Mars. We should see Mars disappear at 9:09 pm CST and then reappear 10:11 pm CST. Then, around 12:00 am CST on December 8, Mars reaches opposition. During opposition, the Sun, Earth and Mars will form a line with Earth in the middle.
Come out to The Heide Observatory to see the occultation of Mars. This fascinating and unusual event will start at 7:00pm.
This event is weather permitting. A cancellation notice due to weather will be given within 24 hours of the event via email to ticket holders. Tickets for this and all events can be rescheduled for another event if due to weather.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Tickets are available here.
Questions? Feel free to email: observatory@hawthornhollow.org