How to See Mars in the Night Sky: The Astronomy Equipment You Need to View Planets

Later this month, Mars will make its closest and most visible appearance to Earth since 2003, NASA announced, and if you’re looking to sneak a peek of the red planet, it’s time to gear up. 

Though you will be able to see the planet’s brightness with the naked eye, if you want a truly close-up view of Mars — and want to jump into the astrophotography game — you’ll want to grab the necessary gear to catch the unique event. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

A portable astrophotography setup:

If you want to turn your astronomy viewing into an imaging session, you’ll need the camera mount and tripod that will allow for quick and relatively hands-off use. Simply mount your camera (and a wide-angle camera lens) and using the included polar scope to align toward accurate stars or planets. 

Adorama picks: 

• iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope, Mount Only ()
• iOptron Stainless Steel Tripod ()
• iOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount with Polar Scope, Mount Only W/Tripod Bundle ()
• iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount Full Package ()

A telescope made exactly to your needs:

Depending on your needs — from the location from which you’re viewing, to the objects you want to see and how much you’re willing to spend and carry — there are many telescopes available on the market today. 

Understanding what goes into a telescope and its corresponding mounts (check out our Beginner’s Guide to Telescopes for more details) will help you better choose one that’s suited to your requirements, but refractors, reflectors, and Catadioptric telescopes are your best bets. 

Adorama picks: 

• Meade StarNavigator NG 125 Maksutov Telescope ()
• Meade ETX-125 Observors Telescope – 5″ GoTo Maksutov-Cassegrain ()
• Meade StarNavigator NG 102 Refractor Telescope ()

Binoculars and monoculars for optimal viewing:

If you’re not looking to carry heavy gear, or to involve photography, a binocular or monocular set might be for you. The modern binocular can actually help you view the stars and planets you’re aiming to see with relatively lightweight gear (just check out our guide to Getting Started In Binocular Astronomy for more information). 

When it comes to choosing the right gear, the most important things to remember are the two numbers listed alongside the binoculars’ name. For example, the Steiner 8×56 ShadowQuest binocular features the 8×56 set of numbers. The first number (in this case, 8), is the magnification number, which means that objects viewed through the equipment will be eight times more magnified than with the naked eye. The second number (in this case, 56) is the size, in millimeters, of the back objective lens. 

Depending on how far you’re aiming to see, and the type of lens you’d prefer, there are many picks for you. 

Adorama picks: 

• Bushnell 10×42 Trophy Binocular ()
• Steiner 8×56 Shadowquest Binocular ()
• Steiner 10×32 XC Binocular ()
• Steiner 8×42 XC Binocular ()
• FLIR Scout TK Monocular ()