Why does Mars appear to brighten during its retrograde motion?
A) Mars is closest to the Sun during this time.
B) Mars is closest to Earth during this time.
C) Mars is observed in a nearly full phase during this time.
D) Mars receives more direct sunlight during this time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mars appears to brighten during its retrograde motion because it is closest to Earth during this time. When Mars and Earth are near each other in their orbits, Mars appears larger and brighter in the sky. This proximity enhances its visibility and apparent brightness from our perspective.

Why Does Mars Appear to Brighten During Its Retrograde Motion