Take a look! Mars will remain visible for a few weeks

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The phenomenon known as "Mars Opposition" is now over, but you can still catch a glimpse of the planet without using a telescope.

Just one day after the red planet became a trending topic on social media, interest has peaked in the planet that is nearly 47 million miles away.

Monday night you'll have an opportunity to see Mars and the full moon for one more night before the moon goes into its waning phase. And since skies are expected to be less cloudy than Sunday night, you may get a better glimpse.

To view the planet, all you have to do is look east shortly after sunset. Sunset on Monday is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Sky gazers will be treated to a delight of planets. Both Saturn and Mars will be visible through the first week of June, as well as the super giant star Antares.

Mars will come the closest to Earth it has in nearly a decade on May 30. Then, the planet will be about 35 degrees above the southern horizon, or one third of the distance between the horizon and overhead.

So get outside and take a look up at the sky! If you have a telescope, you'll be able to see detail on Mars. If you look close enough you might be able to see the polar caps at the southern end of Mars, since the planet is just finishing up winter.