How to look for tonight as Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth

WhatsApp Group Join Now

Telegram Group Join Now

Instagram Group Join Now

Jupiter will not come this close to Earth for another 107 years.

As Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth tonight, ASA anticipates spectacular views of the solar system’s largest and oldest planet.

It will be the gas giant’s closest approach to Earth in 59 years.

Jupiter will rise in the east as the sun sets in the west, putting them on opposite sides of the Earth, according to NASA.

Here is how to see Jupiter in opposition tonight.

Table of Contents

Where can I see Jupiter tonight?

The key to seeing Jupiter, according to NASA experts, is to find a location that is high, dark, and dry.

Then, around sunset, turn your gaze to the eastern horizon, which should be visible with the naked eye.

Today, the sun will set at 6.50 p.m.

Aside from the moon, Jupiter should be the brightest object in the sky.

It is expected to be visible for approximately 12 hours.

Jupiter, on the other hand, is usually visible as a bright star, and it will be easy to see tonight.

Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, recommends a larger telescope to see Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and bands in greater detail.

“The banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible with good binoculars.”

“It’s worth remembering that Galileo observed these moons using 17th-century optics.” “A stable mount for whatever system you use will be one of the most important requirements,” he added.

How frequently does Jupiter approach Earth?

While Jupiter’s planetary opposition occurs every 13 months, this close approach to Earth is unusual.

It came this close the last time in 1963.

The next time it comes this close will be in 107 years, in 2129, but none of us will be present, making tonight’s opposition unmissable.

A planetary opposition occurs when an astronomical object rises in the east while the Sun sets in the west, putting the object and the Sun on opposite sides of the Earth.

Scientists and astronomers have long been fascinated by the planet and its four planet-like moons.

NASA is even planning a mission to explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s massive moons that is said to have more water than Earth’s oceans and could be habitable.

People also ask

How can I find Jupiter in the sky?

After sunset, the planet can be found in the east. Even from a light-polluted city, it’s difficult to miss because it’s the brightest object in the sky. It rises higher into the sky as the night progresses, eventually appearing in the southeast around 11 p.m. ET on Monday.

When can I see Jupiter in the night sky?

“Just as the sun comes up, Jupiter goes down. Therefore, it is visible in the sky during the entirety of the night, which is fantastic news for people who are interested in astronomy.

Do you need a telescope to see Jupiter tonight?

In terms of having a good look at Jupiter, you will be able to see the planet with the naked eye; however, it is recommended to use binoculars or telescopes in order to see more details, such as Jupiter’s red-and-white stripes, the Great Red Spot, and Jupiter’s largest moons.

What Jupiter looks like through binoculars?

Jupiter and its moons are likely going to look like incredibly brilliant lights in the sky to anyone who is able to observe them with their unaided eyes. A pair of binoculars with a magnification of seven times would make the planet appear as a thin disc against the background of the darkness of space.

When can we see Jupiter from Earth 2022?

Because of this, on the day of the opposition, which will take place on September 26, 2022, all sides of the Earth will be illuminated by the sun. Therefore, there would be no darkness at all because Jupiter would illuminate one side of the planet while the sun would illuminate the other side.

What is the bright white star in the sky?

The brightest star visible from the surface of the Earth at night is Sirius, often known as the Dog Star or Sirius A. The name comes from the Greek word for “glowing,” which is an apt translation seeing as how this star is eclipsed in brilliance only by a select few planets, the full moon, and the International Space Station.

Why is Jupiter so bright right now?

Jupiter’s opposition occurs once every 13 months, and during those months, the gas giant seems to be larger and brighter than it does at any other time of the year. It also makes its closest approach to Earth, seeming larger, approximately once every 12 years, which is the period of time it takes Earth to complete one cycle around the sun.

Can you see Jupiter from Earth?

The planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are referred to together as the “bright planets.” This is due to the fact that they are the five planets that are visible to the naked eye. These planets appear to move about against the backdrop of the night sky over the period of several days and weeks, and they go through phases during which they may be seen from Earth.

What is the closest Jupiter gets to Earth?

Jupiter will make its closest approach to Earth since 1963 on Monday, coming about 367 million miles from our planet, according to NASA.