APOD 3.2

This picture "Mars Opposition 2010" is a very odd choice by me for my APOD blog, given my track record with picture selections. Usually I pick a picture based on the fact that it looks cool, intriguing, or just weird. But this picture of the planet Mars, is just a very bland one that would not stand out from a crowd at all. However it is the article that goes along with the picture, and events that have taken place recently that caused me to choose it for my blog subject. It just so happens that we were told by our teacher, Mr. Percival, to look out for Mars in the night sky, as it would be very bright and visible due to it being at opposition. Not only did I learn this, but also while reading the article and browsing the relevant links within, I learned a very interesting tidbit about this astronomical event. When Mars is at opposition, we as humans usually seize the opportunity and launch a probe or object to go and visit or observe Mars. However this is the first time since 1994 that we have not launched ANYTHING at this very opportune moment to observe Mars.