Mars is nearing opposition on October 13th (where it is closest to Earth). This happens every two years. This is also the reason we saw several spacecrafts to Mars being launched in July with one being delayed for 2 years as they missed the window. During this brief time the delta V (acceleration energy and thus fuel) required is at its lowest.
Closest approach also means bigger and brighter views! Increasing in size from 11 to around 22 arcseconds.
I’m quite happy I got the polar icecap in the pictures!
