Here's what Mars looked like above the CN Tower over the last week (PHOTOS)

Over the last week, Mars lit up Canadian skies, as it was at a closer distance to earth than usual. Since 2003 to be exact.

According to NASA, the Red Planet reached the part of its orbit called ‘opposition,’ where it’s exactly opposite the Sun in the Earth’s sky.

While Mars appeared very bright from July 27 to 30, the big show took place around July 31 Mars’ Close Approach, which is when the planet and Earth are nearest to each other in their orbit around the Sun.

On that day, Mars was about 35.8 million miles (57.6 million kilometres) away.

When Earth and Mars are this close to each other, the planet appears very bright in the sky, making it much easier to locate with a telescope or the naked eye.

And while many may have caught it, some took the perfect shot of it lined up just above the CN Tower.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield shared his friend Andrew Yee’s photo on social media, showing the perfect alignment.

That bright light above the CN Tower is Mars, at its very closest to Earth.
(great photo from last night, by friend Andrew Yee) pic.twitter.com/cDedS4Tr2i

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) July 30, 2018

Another Twitter user shared a photo of the Red Planet, also showing its close proximity to Earth.

Mars over the CN Tower. #mars #astronomy #cntower pic.twitter.com/1XADqcyBSj

— Michael Williams (@MikeWilliamd) July 26, 2018

But don’t worry if you missed Mars Close Approach this year. The next Mars Close Approach will take place on Oct. 6, 2020.

There’s plenty of time to pick your viewing spot for that one.

Mars Exploration, NASA

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