Chennaites will be in for a rare visual treat at 1.40 am on March 4 when the earth will come as close as 10.08 crore km from Mars.

This is approximately the largest distance during an opposition.

Scientists have said that Mars will appear bright and big in the night sky for a few weeks during this period.

Dr P. Iyamperumal, executive director of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre in the city explained that when a planet moves to a point of 180 degrees away from the Sun, which is diametrically the opposite side of the Sun when viewed from the Earth, it is said to be at opposition.

Pointing out that once in about 26 months, earth passes Mars in its orbit and comes in opposition, Dr Iyamperumal said that at 1.40 am on March 4, Earth would approach closer to Mars.

“This is approximately the largest distance during an opposition and it is due to Mars reaching its farthest distance from the Sun–aphelion only on February 15. Mars will appear bright and big for a few weeks during this period,” he said.

The B.M. Birla planetarium in the city is making arrangements for the public to view the planet on March 2 to 4, between 7 pm and 9 pm.

The last time the phenomenon took place was on January 29, 2010. That day, Mars was as much as 9.95 crore km away.