Stargazers are in for a treat as Mars approaches its closest point to Earth for 11 years.

The rare spectacle will make the red planet appear much brighter than usual, reaching its highest point at around midnight.

It will be at a distance of 46.8 million miles, and is expected to remain visible for much of the night.

When Mars and Earth are close to each other, Mars appears very bright, making it easier to see with telescopes or the naked eye.

It only comes close enough for exceptional viewing once or twice every 15 to 17 years.

If you miss it tonight, Mars is expected to remain close and bright for the first two weeks in June.

But it will become fainter as Mars and Earth travel further away from each other in their orbits around the Sun.

After that, the next Mars Close Approach will take place on July 31, 2018.