Skywatchers will have a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Jupiter at its biggest next week! The largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter is about to make its closest and opposite approach to Earth. NASA shared that the “contrast” occurs when an astronomical object rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west from Earth’s perspective. This brings the spacecraft and the Sun to opposite sides of Earth. Likewise, Jupiter’s opposition occurs after every 13 months, which makes the planet appear brighter and larger than usual days. However, it’s the closest approach of the largest planet to Earth that really makes it a special event, and that’s set to happen soon. After a gap of 70 years, Jupiter and Earth will be at their closest point! As a result, Earth and Jupiter pass each other at different distances throughout the year because their orbits around the Sun are not perfectly round. Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with its opposition, so this year’s view will be unique. Jupiter will be about 365 million miles from Earth at its closest approach. At its farthest point, the giant planet is about 600 million miles from Earth.
When and how to take a look at Jupiter
Stargazers needn’t worry too much! As they can expect excellent views of Jupiter throughout the night of Monday, September 26, when the giant planet reaches opposition with Earth and will be at its brightest. Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, suggested that with the help of good binoculars, at least the central belt and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible. However, to get a better view and catch the Great Red Spot and Jupiter’s belts, you may need a 4-inch or larger telescope. Also, some filters in the green to blue range may improve the visibility of these features of Jupiter. Kobelski suggests that an ideal viewing location would be at a high altitude in a dark and dry area. Best track; You can have the views a few days before and after September 26, in case you miss the opportunity on that particular day.
You knew that?
Although Jupiter has 53 recognized moons, researchers estimate that a total of 79 moons have been discovered. The Galilean moons, named after Galileo Galilei, who made the first observation of Jupiter’s four largest moons in 1610, are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
