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Night view of Mars now out of this world
First published: Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Stargazers will get a gift from the heavens this week.
     
Mars will be the brightest it has been in years. The red planet won't be this big and bright again until 2016, Astronomy magazine says.
Tonight will offer the best conditions for viewing Mars in the Capital Region, according to Schenectady's Dudley Observatory.
Monday night, the planet reached opposition, which means it is opposite the sun and fully illuminated. Mars opposition happens roughly every 780 days, Astronomy magazine said.
Mars has been bright for a few weeks already and will continue to be visible for the next few weeks, even in urban areas with light pollution. No special equipment will be necessary to view the planet, which should rise at approximately 4:33 p.m.
-- Scott Waldman

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What is a star?

The basic difference between a star and a planet is that a star emits light produced in its interior by nuclear 'burning', whereas a planet only shines by reflected light.