Mars makes closest approach to Earth since 2003

By Sadik Kedir

ANKARA

Mars made its closest approach to Earth on Tuesday.

The red planet began its approach Monday night and continued early Tuesday, registering 35.8 million miles (57.6 million kilometers) from Earth at its closest point.

“The Red Planet is still a magnificent sight to see in the night sky. Humanity will have to wait 269 years for Mars to get much closer,” said Space.com.

The next time Mars will come this close to Earth will be in October 2020 – and 38,000 miles (62,00 kilometers) from Earth.

Mars is the fourth planet in the solar system, after Earth, and completes its rotation around the sun in 687 days.