A PHENOMENON which occurs just once every 60,000 years - where the Earth travels closer than ever to the planet Mars - has fascinated a Warrington astronomy expert.

And if Guardian readers look really closely over the next few nights they too can see history in the making.

Last night, Wednesday, marked the nearest passage between the two spheres, but the red planet will still be clearly visible for weeks to come.

Close is relative though - Mars was still 34.65million miles away!

Ian Phelps, of Longford Street, planetary section director of the Society for Popular Astronomy, says telescope owners should be able to view Mars clearly at 150 times magnification or higher.

Within view should be some dark and bright surface markings, with the planet's southern ice cap the starkest image discernable.

But he advises that patience is needed when observing Mars, as it can often be difficult to study, even for seasoned astronomers.

The Guardian was invited to a display at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry yesterday, Wednesday, to view a planetarium presentation of the cosmic wonder.

Similar shows will take place this weekend and each Saturday and Sunday in September at the museum, in Liverpool Road, Castlefield.