If you don't get to see Mars at its brightest and highest point tonight, you'd better plan to live a very long time if you want another chance.

That's because Mars is closer to Earth than it has been in 600 centuries. Mars came closest to Earth at 5:51 a.m. today and won't be this near again until August 2287.

Ted Pedas, planetarium director emeritus at Farrell Area School District, said the fascination with the red planet goes back many years.

"Mars has always intrigued and fascinated mankind," the astronomer said. "There's something about its appearance, rust-red color and even its name."

Pedas said that since Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" play was broadcast in 1938, Americans have been captivated with tales of the mysterious, dusty red planet.