SINGAPORE - On January 16, 2025, astronomy enthusiasts in Singapore witnessed a rare celestial event as Mars reached its closest point to Earth, coinciding with its opposition.
During this alignment, Mars appeared larger, brighter, and more vivid due to the Earth being positioned directly between Mars and the Sun. Stargazers shared photographs of the planet on social media, although some faced challenges due to cloudy skies.
Despite the weather, many managed to observe the Red Planet, which is known for its iron-rich soil that gives it a distinct red hue. The planet's opposition occurs approximately every two years, with the next event scheduled for February 19, 2027.
NASA describes Mars as a “dusty, cold, desert world with a very thin atmosphere.” It has been extensively explored by rovers, revealing evidence of a warmer, wetter past.