Brilliant Mars is seen with Saturn above the familiar pattern of Scorpius. Mars is gradually brightening as it nears its opposition on May 22, 2016. I cannot recall Mars appearing this bright in many years. Mars and nearby Saturn make a striking pair in this photograph made on May 15, 2016 just past midnight. A Tiffen double fog 2 filter was used over the wide angle 17-40 mm lens to add a soft glow and enhance the colors of the planets.