Mars is a wonderful planet to observe through a telescope, and in March 2025 it's still one of the best planets to see in the night sky.
The apparent size of Mars varies depending on how close it is to Earth.
The best time to observe the planet is around opposition, which last happened on 16 January 2025.
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In the weeks that follow opposition, our view of the Red Planet changes quickly, its apparent size shrinking rapidly as it once again distances itself from Earth.
On 1 March, Mars is able to reach a peak altitude of 63° in the early evening under dark-sky conditions.
Through the eyepiece, the planet appears to have an apparent diameter of 10 arcseconds and
is visually bright at mag. –0.3.
On 9 March around 01:40 UT, Mars appears 56 arcminutes south of the centre of the 74%-lit waxing gibbous Moon.
By mid-month, the planet only just reaches its highest point when due south under conditions of darkness.
By the end of March, the expansion of the evening twilight begins to affect this situation, with Mars appearing 59° up in darkening twilight around 20:10 UT.
On 31 March, Mars will have dimmed to mag. +0.4 and shrunk through the eyepiece with an apparent diameter of 8 arcseconds.
Observing Mars quick tips
To get the best from Mars through a telescope, it’s important to let your eye get used to the view.
What might at first look like an uninteresting pink blob can actually hold much subtle detail.
On a clear night with stable seeing, allow yourself plenty of time to fixate on obvious features, such as the northern polar cap.
Then, as your eyes relax, tantalising details will begin to reveal themselves.
Find out more in our guide on how to observe Mars through a telescope.
Mars in March 2025 at a glance
- Best time to see: 1 March, 20:50 UT
- Altitude: 63°
- Location: Gemini
- Direction: South
- Features: Polar caps, surface markings, weather
- Recommended equipment: 75mm scope or larger
Share your Mars images and observations with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
