Astronomers prepare for Mars showcase
Star-gazers will be treated to a spectacular display of the red planet on Saturday evening
Amateur astronomy buffs have been preparing for a celestial showcase as Mars gets ready to dazzle star-gazers on Friday evening.
The red planet is due to live up to its name late on Friday night as it moves within 62 million miles of Earth directly opposite the Sun.
The effect promises to be stunning when it lines up alongside a full moon, providing photographers and astronomers with a crystal clear view of both celestial bodies - as long as the weather stays fine.
Robin Scagell, from the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: "Mars is looking really quite red and impressive at the moment, and the Moon will be full.
"It's going to be a great sight and rather fun to look for.
"A telescope has too close a field of view, but with a 100mm telephoto lens you'd just about get them both in the picture, and you'll be able to see details on the Moon."
A pair of binoculars and a clear out-of-town sky will reveal an added bonus - the "beehive" star cluster - between the two objects, said Mr Scagell.
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