“For about a month or so now, it’s been quite easy to see, as it’s getting close to opposition it’s rising earlier, so it rises from sunset and then you can see it and it gets up quite high into the sky, so it’s really easy to spot.”
Opposition happens around every 26 months. It is next set to occur in 2023.
Although cloudy weather is forecast for parts of the UK, Mars should be visible among any breaks and even through lighter cloud, Ms Banyard said.
“You can see it as a bright orangey-red looking star just with your eyes, but I recommend using at least a four-inch telescope with 24-millimetre magnification and then you’ll be able to make out some features on the surface,” she said.
“The next time you will be able to see Mars as big and bright will be 2023.”
