Sky Show: Mars shines brightly this week

A bright Mars and the waxing moon will rise in the east after sunset this week. (Spaceweather.com)

Our clear cold polar air has at least one benefit. Clearing skies will bring a return to sunshine and some good evening sky watching this week.

Mars is as close to Earth as it will be anytime between 2008 and 2102 this week. At a mere 99 million miles, the Red Planet will shine brighter this week than it will in 4 years. The close proximity to the moon should make for a delightful sight if you can brave the cold and icy conditions under foot.

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As always the best viewing will be away from city lights. Look in the eastern sky after sunset and Mars will be below the moon.

Steady daytime temperatures:

You may have noticed our temperatures held fairly steady all day in the metro. Usually temperatures would rise and peak around 3pm this time of year. Today, the sun's energy was offset by what we call "cold advection." The incoming cold air was just about in balance with the energy provided by the sun today. That's why temps hovered near 8 degrees most of the day in the metro.

Temperatures will lose ground as the sun sets tonight. Look for a slightly sub-zero morning Tuesday. It begins the trend of a string of sub-zero starts that will last into Saturday morning. Look for slightly moderating temperatures this weekend into the 20s.

PH