Baku: Mars can be easily observed in the night sky these days with the naked eye, the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory told APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, calculations show that Mars and Earth will reach their closest approach on January 15. After this date, the Red Planet will continue to shine brightly in the night sky for some time until it moves farther away.

The planet has reached its closest approach to Earth, appearing as a bright reddish “star” in the night sky. Although planets are in close configuration during opposition, Mars reaches its closest point to Earth when both planets are at perihelion in their orbits. The next such approach will occur on June 27, 2033.

Additionally, tonight we will witness the first full moon of the year, with the moon’s disk illuminated at 99.5%.