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Watch Mars at opposition pass behind the moon this week online | Space

This week offers multiple opportunities to get a great look at the Red Planet.

On Wednesday (Dec. 7), the full moon will be in close proximity to a bright Mars during an event known as a lunar occultation. And on Thursday (Dec. 8), Mars will be at opposition, meaning that in Earth’s skies, it will be found directly opposite the sun. These events also happen to coincide with Mars being close to perigee (its closest point to Earth), which occurred on Nov. 30.

The perfect storm of astronomical events means that this is a wonderful week to watch Mars in the night sky, appearing larger and brighter than usual and making itself easy to spot next to a full Cold Moon. And even if you have cloudy skies or can’t make it outside, you’re still in luck: There are plenty of opportunities to see Mars at its best this week thanks to several free online livestreams.  …