Space1 min(s) read
Published 14:26 13 May 2020 GMT
The majority of us are finding lockdown difficult, with nothing to look at apart from our four walls, Netflix, and if we're lucky, another human or a pet. But for tonight, at least, there will be something spectacular outside.
Tonight, on May 13, Mars is going to become entangled with the Moon, resulting in a spectacular celestial show on Earth.
NASA astronauts share their workouts on the International Space Station to help those in isolation:
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However, if you want to see it, you're going to have to either stay up very late or set an alarm to get up particularly early, as the event is taking place a few hours before sunrise on May 14 and May 15.
During the event, it will look like the Moon and Mars are right next to each other, when, in reality, Mars will be 425 times further from the Earth than the moon. Isn't space amazing?
Mars is set to come closest to the Moon at 10.00pm EST (that's 3 AM in the UK), but given the fact that most of our sleeping routines have gone out the window in quarantine, there will likely be people staying up to watch.
This isn't the only event that's taking place either. You should also be able to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and Saturn in the sky too. In case you're wondering what to look for, Jupiter is the fourth brightest item in the sky, beaten only by the sun, the Moon, and Venus.
While Mars will be bright tonight, according to EarthSky, it won't reach its brightest until October 13, when it will be even brighter than Jupiter, so that's a date to mark on in your diary.
As it stands, Mars is currently the eighth brightest star in the sky, so you won't have any trouble working out when its side by side with the moon tonight!
