The closest Jupiter has been to Earth since 1963 is now. This is because Earth and Jupiter do not always pass each other at the same distance. Because of their different orbits around the sun.
On Monday, Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will approach Earth closer than it has in 59 years. Because it coincides with another phenomenon dubbed “opposition,” the gaseous giant will be visible.
Every 13 months, the phenomenon occurs because Jupiter is brighter than it is at any other period of the year. However, since 1963, the planet has been advancing toward Earth. Earth and Jupiter do not always pass each other at the same distance. Because of their different orbits around the Sun. Jupiter will be 367 million miles away from Earth when it comes to be closest on Monday, according to NASA. At its furthest point, Jupiter is roughly 600 million miles from Earth.
Any astronomical object and the Sun will be on opposite sides of the Earth when they rise in the east and set in the west, respectively, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Since opposition and Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincide, tonight’s view will be exceptional. The bands and three to four Galilean satellites (moons), according to research astronomer Adam Kobelski of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, should be seen with decent binoculars.
Kobelski noted that it is crucial to keep in mind that Galileo observed these moons using optics from the 17th century in an official statement from the American Space Agency. A stable mount for any system one may use will be one of the essential requirements for viewing this. In order to see Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and bands in greater detail, he also advised using a larger telescope. These characteristics might be easier to see with a 4-inch or larger telescope and some green-to-blue-range filters.
The vistas should be spectacular for a few days prior to and following Monday, Kobleski further stated. It ought to be one of, if not the brightest object in the night sky, after the Moon.
NASA tweeted about this imminent occurrence on Saturday to let astronomers know. The space agency reported, “Stargazers: In 59 years, Jupiter will be closest to the Earth. On September 26, expect beautiful views, weather permitting. For certain details, a good pair of binoculars should be sufficient; for the Great Red Spot, a powerful telescope is required.”