APOD 4.3

This APOD was taken on April 3rd when Mars was near opposition. This means when Mars was opposite the Sun in the sky. At this time it appears to be very bright and is at the best time to be viewed by telescopes from Earth. On the Martian planet you can see the north polar ice cap and the clouds of water vapor forming around it's towering mountains and volcanoes. For a picture of Mars at opposition, but seen from the naked eye, look at the post "APOD 4.2."