Planet

Mars

Khowar: KroistariKhowar term used by the Chitral Astronomical Society for Mars, from the local root for 'red' — the planet's colour is its most obvious naked-eye signature from the valley.

Also known as RED PLANET · MANGAL · ARES · BAHRAM

The rust-red world of canyons and dust storms.

Fourth planet from the Sun, instantly recognisable by its red colour from iron-oxide soil.

Appearance

A distinct amber-red point, brighter than most stars near opposition.

Observing

Best every ~26 months at opposition. A telescope reveals polar ice caps and dark surface markings.

Best viewing

Around opposition (every 26 months)

Observing from Chitral

Mars is worth serious attention only in the few months around opposition, which recurs roughly every 26 months. From Chitral it can climb past 70° altitude when opposition falls in the northern winter, putting it above most of the valley's low-level haze. Wait until it is high — a 100 mm telescope at 150× will then show the polar cap and the dark Syrtis Major region.

History & culture

Tycho Brahe's naked-eye measurements of Mars, worked over for years by Johannes Kepler, refused to fit a circle. That single planet forced Kepler to the ellipse in 1609 and broke two thousand years of circular orbits.