There is given rise to no opposition this year concerning the planet Mars. The next Martian opposition occurs on 3 March 2012, and Mars will be closest to the Earth on 5 March 2012. This implies the phenomena are quite aphelic. However the angular diameter on 15 November 2011 becomes δ=6.4 arcsecs and the season is λ=030°Ls, and hence we can observe the early northern spring at the end of this year.

  B. Conjunction

The planet Mars will be in conjunction with the Sun on 4 February at 17h GMT.

  C. The Planet Mars Passed the Time of Conjunction with the Sun

Here is shown how the planet Mars was in conjunction with the Sun this season by the use of the images of LASCO C2. See the central image.

  D. The Planet Mars Has Come Back in the Morning Sky

Click the image

  E. The planet Mars will attain the apparent diameter δ=9.0"

The planet Mars will attain the apparent diameter δ=9.0" at the end of this year. It will be closest to the Earth on 5 March 2012 with δ=13.9".