Unveiling the Radiant Mystery: What’s Behind the Brighter Golden ‘Star’ Lighting Up Our Skies This Week?

What’s that luminescent star in the twilight sky? It’s likely Venus — currently shining brightly for a few hours post-sunset, the “Evening Star” briefly takes the spotlight before dipping below the western horizon. Nevertheless, there are two other luminous planets visible in the eastern sky after sunset — one of which glimmers in gold.

The golden celestial body is Mars. Positioned beneath Jupiter and emerging in the east as darkness falls, the red planet seems to radiate a golden hue for the remainder of the evening as it traverses towards the southern sky. What makes Mars so bright this week? Does it genuinely appear red? When was it occulted by the moon?

Here’s everything essential regarding Mars at opposition this week.

Locating Mars In The Night Sky

Step outside after twilight and direct your gaze to the east. You will spot Jupiter brightly shining within the constellation Taurus. Look directly below and slightly left of the giant planet, and within the constellation Cancer, you will find Mars situated just beneath two prominent stars, Castor and Pollux, in the constellation Gemini. Do not mistake it for Betelgeuse, the most luminous star in the constellation Orion, which lies to the right of Mars.

Understanding: Mars At Opposition

Mars is currently at its most luminous for 771 days. This is because it has reached opposition, a period when Earth is perfectly aligned between it and the sun. This positioning allows observers to see the planet at its closest proximity to Earth, and thus at its brightest, with its disk fully illuminated by the sun. It will rise around sunset, remaining visible until dawn.

How Brilliant And Close Will Mars Appear?

During its 2025 opposition, Mars will attain a brightness of –1.4 magnitude, which is not its absolute peak. This is due to the fact that all planets follow a slightly elliptical orbit around the sun. Consequently, during some oppositions, it might be closer to Earth, while in others, it will be further away.

This elliptical path also explains why, technically, Mars was a tad nearer to Earth on Sunday, Jan. 12, than tonight, at a distance of 59.7 million miles (96.1 million kilometers). This distance is equivalent to 0.6 astronomical units (Earth-sun distances) from our planet.

Although it may be one of the most fascinating objects in the night sky, Mars is briefly outshined by approximately 25-to-1 by Venus, which glows at -4.3 magnitude, along with Jupiter, at -2.5 magnitude.

Does Mars Truly Appear Red?

Even though its surface is coated with iron oxide dust, the red planet seems to emit a golden-reddish light to the unaided eye, rather than solely red. “A more detailed examination reveals a richer spectrum that includes gold, salmon, and peach,” states Bob King on Sky & Telescope, also noting that other viewers have described it as “golden with a hint of rose,” salmon pink, terracotta, orangey-gold, and “similar to an ember.”

ForbesIn Photos: Mars Devoured By ‘Wolf Moon’ In Stunning Sight For U.S. Sky-WatchersBy Jamie Carter

Why The Moon Occulted Mars This Week

Did you witness the full “Wolf Moon” devouring Mars? The inaugural full moon of 2025 ascended on Monday, Jan. 13, and for observers located in North America, obscured the planet Mars for approximately an hour between 8:44 p.m. EST and 00:52 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Naturally, it was merely an illusion, with Mars being around 266 times farther away than the moon.

Sky Events Involving Mars To Anticipate In 2025

Mars will participate in the ongoing “planet parade” — alongside Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus — throughout January and February. On Sunday, Feb. 9, Mars will be closely positioned to the waxing gibbous moon in an event referred to as conjunction by astronomers.

When Is The Next Opposition Of Mars?

The subsequent opposition of Mars is slated for Feb. 19, 2027, although any moment in the upcoming couple of months is a fantastic opportunity to observe Mars.

Wishing you clear skies and keen eyes.