Your Mars Opposition 2020 Guide
October is an exciting month this year in astronomy because Mars is in opposition on the 13th. A Mars opposition happens every two years. It is when the Earth passes between Mars and the Sun, making it an ideal time to image and observe Mars. Astronomers worldwide have shared some impressive images of Mars in opposition in the past, and we are looking forward to this year’s images! Are you ready? Check out Trevor Jones, aka AstroBackyard’s video on what he did to capture Mars below.
AstroBackyard’s Setup to Capture Mars
The Scope
Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD Telescope
- f/10, Fastar compatible to f/2
- 2800mm focal length
- StarBright XLT optical coatings
- Aberration- and coma-free flat field views
The Camera
- Sensor: Sony IMX290
- Pixel Size: 2.9 Micrometers
- Read Noise: 1.0 e
- Peak QE: 80%
The Mount
- Extreme load capacity to support heavy-duty astrophotography setups
- Dual-belt drive design for precise and quiet tracking
- Integrated cable management for a convenient and organized telescope system
- Computerized GoTo EQ Mount
- Maximum payload capacity: 110 lb
If you’re looking for more technical advice on capturing Mars, see our How to Image Mars blog for more tips.
Mars as captured by AstroBackyard
For the Mars opposition 2020, Mars will reach a point closer to Earth that won’t happen again until 2035! Take a look for yourself down below.
This year the Mars opposition is on October 13, 2020. Is your gear ready? Check out our recommended products below to prepare!
The Best Telescope Equipment to View Mars
Best Telescopes for Mars Opposition
One of the most important features to look for in your telescope is a high frame rate. Planets are moving fast and bright, so you need to have enough space for your telescope to capture all that data and produce a visible image. For more telescope ideas, check out our Best Telescopes for Mars Opposition list!
Best Planetary Cameras for Mars Opposition
Like the ZWO ASI290MM Mini Telescope Guide Camera that AstroBackyard used in his video, you can choose similar cameras. See our Best Planetary Cameras guide for more choices recommended by OPT experts.
Best Telescope Accessories for Mars Opposition
Telescope accessories are a great tool to optimize your viewing and imaging experience. Take your telescope’s potential to the next level with accessories like the ZWO 31 MM LRGB Filter Set for the Mars opposition 2020. See our Best Telescope Accessories Guide or our Best Astrophotography Accessories guide for more tools to guarantee your astronomy success.
Can’t get enough of Mars? Check out Space Junk Podcast’s episode with Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars, to learn more about research on Mars and what Mars mission Tony Darnell wants to be a part of first.
How will you be participating in the Mars opposition 2020? Tell us in the comments below!
