The Mars loop, 2027
From January to April 2027, Mars stops against the stars of Leo, runs backwards for twelve weeks, then carries on. Earth is overtaking it on the inside track. Here is the loop, drawn live from the ephemeris, on both faces of the sky.
Questions people ask
When is Mars retrograde in 2027?
Mars is retrograde from 10 January to 1 April 2027 - about twelve weeks. It starts the retrograde in Virgo, backs into Leo around 21 February, and turns direct while still in Leo on 1 April.
Why does Mars appear to move backwards?
Earth orbits the Sun faster than Mars. Around the time Earth "laps" Mars on the inside track, Mars briefly appears to reverse direction against the background stars - a real effect of relative motion, not a change in its actual orbit.
Is this the same event every time Mars is retrograde?
No - each Mars retrograde happens against different background stars and lasts a slightly different length, because Mars and Earth's orbital positions differ each cycle (roughly every 26 months). This page draws the specific 2027 loop from the live ephemeris, not a generic template.