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The night sky has a special treat in store this week: Mars at Opposition! From January 10th through the 17th, Mars will shine brighter than it has in years, offering a spectacular view for stargazers. This rare alignment happens every 26 months and is one of the best chances to see the Red Planet’s surface features. Plus, on January 13th, the Full Wolf Moon will occult Mars, creating a stunning celestial display.
AstroTours.org is thrilled to offer a series of special programs in Boulder, Denver, and Breckenridge to help you experience Mars at its best. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, these guided events will bring you closer to the wonders of the cosmos.
What’s Happening This Week?
January 10th – Mars Rising
Locations: Denver & Boulder
Time: 5:55 PM – 8:00 PM
Kick off the week with an introduction to Mars at its brightest. Learn about its fascinating history, its role in science fiction, and how to spot key features like the southern polar ice cap using our telescopes.
January 12th – Closest Approach
Location: Boulder
Time: 5:55 PM – 8:00 PM
Mars will be at its closest to Earth, just 59.7 million miles away! This is the best opportunity to see surface details like Valles Marineris, Olympus Mons, and even hints of the icy cap that reflects more sunlight than the rest of the planet.
January 13th – Mars and the Full Moon
Locations: Denver & Boulder
Time: 5:55 PM – 8:00 PM
The Full Wolf Moon will pass directly in front of Mars, creating a rare occultation. Through a telescope, you can watch as Mars disappears behind the Moon and reemerges minutes later. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight!
January 15th – Martian Mysteries
Location: Denver
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Explore the myths, legends, and science of Mars in this special program. We’ll dive into how ancient civilizations viewed Mars as the god of war, the impact of Percival Lowell’s canal theories, and Mars’ outsized influence on science fiction and exploration.
January 17th – Mars at Opposition Finale
Locations: Boulder, Denver & Breckenridge
Time: 5:55 PM – 8:00 PM
Wrap up this incredible week with Mars at its peak brightness during opposition. Whether you’re in the mountains, city, or foothills, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to celebrate this cosmic event.
Why Mars?
Mars has captured humanity's imagination for thousands of years. The ancient Sumerians linked its red hue to blood and war, a theme carried forward by the Greeks and Romans. In the early 20th century, astronomer Percival Lowell fueled the idea of Martian life with his (mistaken) observations of canals, inspiring generations of sci-fi authors to envision Mars as a world of alien civilizations. This fascination with Mars even influences modern space exploration, shaping NASA’s missions and Elon Musk’s plans for colonization.
But while Mars gets the spotlight, our programs also explore why Venus might be an equally fascinating—and practical—target for research. Did you know blimps in Venus’ atmosphere could potentially sustain human life? Venus also offers insights into global warming and planetary evolution, making it a key focus for solving problems on Earth.
What Can You See?
Mars’ Southern Polar Ice Cap: Appearing as a bright spot on one side of the planet.
Valles Marineris: A canyon system so vast it dwarfs the Grand Canyon.
Olympus Mons: The tallest volcano in the Solar System.
Phobos and Deimos: Mars’ tiny moons, visible with a bit of telescope trickery.
Through a telescope, Mars transforms from a fiery red dot to a disk with visible surface features. And during the occultation on January 13th, you’ll witness Mars disappear and reappear behind the Moon, a dramatic and beautiful event.
Join Us!
Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of Mars with AstroTours.org. Our expert astronomers will guide you through the night sky, sharing stories, science, and the joy of stargazing.
Event Highlights:
High-Quality Telescopes for close-up views of Mars.
Engaging Storytelling about Mars’ role in history, science, and fiction.
Myth and Science blending ancient wisdom with modern discovery.
Comfortable, Accessible Locations in Boulder, Denver, and Breckenridge.
Reserve Your Spot Today
📍 Locations: Boulder, Denver, and Breckenridge Time: Arrive by 5:55 PM (programs run until 8:00 PM) 🧤 Dress Warmly: Bring blankets, hand warmers, and a sense of wonder!
Step outside, look up, and let the cosmos take your breath away. Mars won’t be this close again until 2027, so make sure you don’t miss it!
For more information, visit our website: AstroTours.org
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