This should be a good year to see Mars with Earth passing between the sun and the red planet in early April, but to see it now you must be either a night owl or an early bird.

Photo Credit: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center via Compfight cc

So, if you are up late tonight, look high overhead for the Big Dipper. Then, using the stars in its handle as a pointer, star hop first to Arcturus and then on to Spica.  Mars will be just up from Spica and slightly to the left.  You’ll recognize it by its slightly reddish glow.  This post from earthsky.org has more details.

Star Chart Courtesy of earthsky.org

I tried to find it last night, but my view was obscured by clouds.  Let me know if you have any luck.  Happy Valentine’s Day!