Had a good look at Mars this winter? The Red Planet was at opposition late in January, its closest approach of the year. It's fading now as Earth pulls ahead on our inside orbital track. But it's still a striking sight - bigger, brighter and visibly redder than nearly all the brilliant winter stars. If skies clear tonight, look east around 9 p.m. for the nearly full moon. Hold your hand at arm's length. Look five finger-widths above the moon. That's Mars, about 69 million miles away.

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