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Overview:

Mars opposition, when Mars and the Sun are on directly opposite sides of Earth, occurs on Tuesday, Oct. 13. From our perspective on Earth, that means Mars will rise in the east just as the Sun sets in the west. Then, after staying up in the sky the entire night, Mars will set in the west as the Sun rises in the east.

Watch this month's episode of What's Up to find out more about Mars oppositions and how often they occur, plus how to spot Mars in the Sky on October 13:

For more details and skywatching tips, visit NASA's Solar System Exploration website.

Education Resources:

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  Mars Exploration Lessons for Educators

  Explore our collection of standards-aligned STEM lessons all about the Mars and NASA missions to the Red Planet.

  Grades K-12

  Time Varies

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  Mars Exploration Activities for Students

  Explore our collection of student projects, slideshows, videos and more all about the Mars.

  Grades K-12

  Time Varies

Explore More:

• Article for Kids: All About Mars
• Website: NASA Mars Exploration

Events are based on visibility in the Northern Hemisphere. Dates and clock times are for the Pacific time zone unless otherwise noted.