From the perspective of the Earth’s surface, opposition occurs when an astronomical object rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west, placing the object and the Sun on opposite sides of the Earth. Jupiter’s opposition occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than at any other time of year. But that is not all.
“Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, meaning this year’s views will be exceptional,” NASA said in a statement late Friday.
At its closest approach, Jupiter will be about 365 million miles from Earth.
The planet is about 600 million miles from Earth at its furthest point.
“With good binoculars, the belt (at least the central belt) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible,” said Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. .
“It’s important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with optics in the 17th century. One of the key needs will be a solid base for whatever system you use,” he noted.
Kobelski recommends a larger telescope to see the Great Red Spot and Jupiter’s belts in more detail — a four-inch or larger telescope and some filters in the green to blue range will improve visibility of these features.
According to Kobelski, an ideal viewing location will be at a high altitude in a dark and dry area.
Jupiter has 53 named moons, but scientists believe a total of 79 have been identified.
The four largest moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto — are called Galilean satellites.
NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting Jupiter for six years, is dedicated to exploring the planet’s surface and its moons.
Scientists believe that studying Jupiter can lead to groundbreaking discoveries about the formation of the solar system.
— IANS
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