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Mars: where is it right now?

Mars is 1.640 AU (245.3 million km) from Earth right now and 1.563 AU (233.8 million km) from the Sun. Light takes 13 min 38 s to get there. ()

The red planet: a cold desert world with the tallest volcano (Olympus Mons) and the longest canyon system (Valles Marineris) in the Solar System.

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Mars facts

Distance from Earth now
1.640 AU (245.3 million km)
Distance from the Sun now
1.563 AU (233.8 million km)
Light time from Earth
13 min 38 s
Mean radius
3,389.5 km (0.532 × Earth)
Mass
6.417 × 10^23 kg
Surface gravity
3.73 m/s² (0.38 g)
Escape velocity
5.0 km/s
Rotation period
24.6 hours
Year (orbit around the Sun)
1.88 years (687 days)
Average distance (semi-major axis)
1.524 AU (227.9 million km)
Orbital eccentricity
0.0934
Inclination to the ecliptic
1.85°
Next closest approach to Earth
20 February 2027 — 0.678 AU (101.4 million km)

Positions from NASA JPL Horizons; physical constants from the IAU and JPL. Distances are centre to centre.

Mars: questions people ask

How far is Mars from Earth right now?

As of 4 October 2026, Mars is 1.640 AU (245.3 million km) from Earth; light takes 13 min 38 s to cover that distance. Over the next 30 years the distance ranges from about 0.374 AU (55.9 million km) to 2.675 AU (400.2 million km).

When is Mars closest to Earth next?

Around 20 February 2027, when it comes within 0.678 AU (101.4 million km) of Earth (calculated from NASA JPL Horizons orbits).

How long is a year on Mars?

Mars takes 1.88 years (687 days) to orbit the Sun once, at an average distance of 1.524 AU (227.9 million km).

How long is a day on Mars?

Mars rotates once every 24.6 hours relative to the stars.

How big is Mars compared to Earth?

Mars’s radius is 3,390 km, 0.53 times Earth’s, and its surface gravity is 0.38 times Earth’s (3.73 m/s²).