Mars - Closest encounter to earth until 2016 (not an email hoax this time)
Occasionally, I'll receive an email hoax as noted below. However, this event is REAL, so please take time out and observe the brightest "star" in the skies:
POPULAR MARS Email Hoax - Planet Mars at closest distance to earth
I've been watching Mars for weeks and it's spectacular 
.. Please take a brief break if you have clear skies to observe this if possible. Even if you miss tonight, it'll still be close by all month.
Mars - Closest encounter to earth until 2016
http://www.spaceweather.com/
VIEWING TIPS (at least for northern hemisphere)
- About 2 hours after sunset, look in eastern skies for a very bright "star" rising from horizon
- Mars will continue moving higher in skies overnight
- Eventually it will become the brightest "star" in skies
- For C2C fans, look for UFO opportunities tonight 
QUOTE: CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Tonight, Dec. 18th, Mars makes its closest approach to Earth until the year 2016. At a distance of only 55 million miles, Mars outshines every star in the night sky (it is slightly brighter than Sirius) and draws attention to itself with its distinctive red color.