Like all planets, the Earth and Mars orbit the sun but they do it at different speeds. Earth orbits about twice as fast as Mars, so every two years or so, they catch up to each other.
The Mars Opposition is happening at the end of this month. That means Mars and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth, giving an up-close view of the red planet – the closest it has been in 15 years. 
To talk more about this event we’re joined by Derek Demeter to the podcast. He’s an astronomer, astrophotographer and Director of Seminole State College Planetarium in Central Florida.

Now Is A Great Time To Check Out Mars

There’s a lot going on up there. Join space reporter Brendan Byrne each week as he explores space exploration. From efforts to launch humans into deep space, to the probes exploring our solar system, "Are We There Yet?" brings you the latest in news from the space beat. Listen to interviews with astronauts, engineers and visionaries as humanity takes its next giant leap exploring our universe.

Science

Scientists and astronomers are on the search for moons outside our solar system. Meanwhile, NASA and Nikon are working on a new camera designed to withstand our own moon’s environment.

Exomoons and lunar cameras

Space food scientist Vickie Kloeris, speaks about her new book Space Bites, a memoir of her career with NASA preparing food for orbit.

Space bites

Varda Space Industries is working on pharmaceutical research in space that could help produce HIV therapy drugs at a much lower cost.

The future of pharmaceuticals in space

Viewers across the country are gearing up for the upcoming solar eclipse, and scientists are using this time to launch rockets into the skies – for science!

Sun science during a solar eclipse

It’s Women’s history month and ‘Are We There Yet?’ is exploring the women that made history in space with Wendy Lawrence, a veteran NASA Astronaut.

Now Is A Great Time To Check Out Mars

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