Mars and dwarf planet Ceres to appear near open star cluster M35 in August 2026

From 11 to 19 August 2026, observers in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to see Mars and the dwarf planet Ceres positioned close to the open star cluster M35 in Gemini. The two bodies will rise in the early‑morning eastern sky, reaching their highest visibility between about 01:30 and 04:30 local time. Mars is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, while Ceres will require at least a modest telescope to spot. The optimal night for a three‑object view—Mars, Ceres, and the surrounding star field of M35—is expected around 14–15 August, when Mars will be roughly half a degree from the cluster’s centre. Observers are advised to look toward the east‑northeast horizon after sunset and to use a clear, dark sky for the best contrast.