NASA

A view of Mars.

If you look into the sky Friday night, you might see something closer than ever before. It's not a bird, a plane, or even Superman, but Mars.

Because both Mars and Earth have elliptical orbits, this week has been the closest the planets will be together for the next 15 years.

Fortunately, you won't even need a telescope. The planet is in a region in the sky that is relatively star-free, so it should stand out well. It’s famously red and if you look long enough and don’t see it twinkle, that's how you’ll know it’s not a big star.

This week you should also be able to spot Jupiter and Saturn just off the horizon, but a telescope might be more helpful on those two. You can find sky charts online to help you find the planets based on where you’re standing, too, so you won’t have to search for too long.

The next time Mars will be this close will be in 2035. 

More Stories From KJZZ

• Mars InSight Lander Reveals Seismically Active Planet, Magnetized Crust
  
• ASU To Launch Cameras Aboard New Mars Rover, Emirates Orbiter