Widely considered our solar system’s Most beautiful planetThis month, Jupiter will be at opposition. This means Jupiter will be close to Earth, providing excellent views of the natural wonder. Jupiter’s opposition happens every 13 months, but this opposition is a special one as the planet will make its closest approach to Earth in 70 years.
If the planets are at opposite ends, the distance between them will be the shortest. This means Earth is directly in front of Jupiter. Jupiter rises eastwards as the sun sets. That’s the 13-month cycle of a typical opposition, but this opposition is unusual.
That’s because all of the planets in the solar system orbit around the sun, but although these orbits are roughly circular they are not perfectly so. This means that they may be closer to the sun at times (the “closest point”) perihelionSome times they are closer (with the further point known the aphelion), while others are farther away. Our view is that the orbit of Jupiter moves closer to Earth at times and farther away at other times.
This month will see the opposition event coincide with Jupiter’s closest approach, with Jupiter coming within 365 million miles of Earth — as opposed to the 600 million miles of distance at its farthest point. Stargazers will have a lot of opportunities to view Jupiter over the coming weeks.
You will get closest to the nearest approach on Monday, September 26th. According to NASA AstrophysicistAdam Kobelski said that there will be amazing views before and afterwards this date. “The views should be great for a few days before and after Sept. 26,” Kobelski said. “So, take advantage of good weather on either side of this date to take in the sight. Outside of the Moon, it should be one of the (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky.”
Access to binoculars or a telescope should allow you to see not only Jupiter, but also its moons. According to an astronomy website EarthSky.
“With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible,” Kobelski advised. “It’s important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th-century optics. One of the key needs will be a stable mount for whatever system you use.”
Recommendations of Editors
