Mars moves Eastward

The planets, including Mars, normally move eastward across the celestial dome. Occasionally, they shift directions and head west. This is what Mars has been doing since January. Tonight, the Red Planet reaches as far west in the constellation Leo as it gets. Tomorrow, it begins its proper movement heading east, albeit very slowly.

This is all due to the Earth overtaking Mars in early March.

Look for Mars tonight when it lies just east of the bright star Regulus. Mars will be brighter. At 10 p.m. Mars shines high in the south. To find it, first find the Big Dipper. The two sets of bowl stars point south directly to Leo and Regulus.

The bottom photo was captured on March 15, the next one on April 11. The westward change of position of Mars can be easily seen. After tonight, Mars creeps eastward for the next two years.

Such is our view from Earth...