In 5 days we'll be closer to Mars, much closer than this

Earth's neighbour planet makes its closest approach in a decade this month, providing sky-watchers with a celestial show from dusk to dawn. Photo: Reuters/NASA

Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in a decade this month, providing sky-watchers with a celestial show from dusk to dawn starting this week, Nasa said on May 19.

The red planet (which isn't exactly red) already looms large in the night time skies, appearing as a bright, fire-yellow, star-like light as a result of Earth, the third planet from the sun, and Mars, the fourth, coming into close alignment.