Last night, Mars was at its closest approach to Earth with a distance of only 35.8 million miles (57.6 million kilometers), this year. In August 2003 the two planets were just slightly little closer with a distance of 34.6 million miles (55.6 million kilometers). The next time, when the Red Planet is closest to Planet Earth will be in the year 2035.

Tonight, I’ve got a good view of Mars on my street. At 10:00 PM CDT it is clearly visible in the southeastern sky.  (08-01-2018)