Jupiter is coming closest to Earth in 70 years.
Jupiter will be visible in the skies the entire night of September 26 when it reaches opposition.
The planet’s opposition happens 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 Earth as seen from our home planet.
Over two years after Jupiter and Saturn came in line with Earth in a rare planetary conjunction, the former is once again headed towards us. The largest planet in the solar system will be hanging over the skies later this month as it comes closest to Earth in nearly 70 years.
This opposition is special since this will be Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth in 70 years. This happens due to the difference in orbit of the two planets around the Sun. Both Jupiter and Earth do not orbit the Sun in perfect circles. It means that the planets will pass each other at different distances throughout the year.
During the closest approach on Monday, Jupiter will be over 58 crore kilometers away from us, which at its farthest point from us is 96 crore kilometers away. “Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, which means this year’s views will be extraordinary,” Nasa said in an update.
HOW TO SEE JUPITER IN NIGHT SKY?
While the planet will be closest to Earth, it will still be difficult to see it with the naked eyes thanks to the humongous distance between us and the planet. However, a telescope can help enlarge the view and bring the planet into focus. Try and find higher ground with open skies for better viewing.
