Attention stargazers: Jupiter to make closest approach to Earth in 59 years; how to watch

It's a great opportunity for stargazers, as they can expect marvellous views of Jupiter on Monday, September 26, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will make its closest approach to Earth in 59 years on Monday, when the massive planet will reach opposition.

In Earth's context, opposition occurs 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.


Every 13 months, Jupiter appears larger and brighter, when it rises in the east and the Sun sets in the west and opposition occurs. But this time it will be special, as the giant planet will come the closest to Earth since 1963.



Why will Jupiter be closest to the Earth?
Why Jupiter is coming closest to Earth in almost six decades is because both planets don't orbit the Sun in perfect circles. It means that the planets pass each other at different angles and distances in a year and that's what makes Jupiter's closest approach to Earth a rare occurrence. Thus, stargazers can expect some extraordinary views.

How far will Jupiter be from the Earth on Monday?
At its closest distance, Jupiter will be approximately 367 million miles away from Earth and at its farthest point, the huge planet stays 600 million miles away from Earth.

How to view Jupiter?
According to Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, one can enjoy the views of Jupiter's Great Red Spot and bands by using a larger telescope. He suggests a 4-inch or larger telescope and some filters in the green to blue spectrum might improve the visibility of these features.

“With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible,” said Adam Kobelski. “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,” he added.

Kobelski further recommends a high elevation in a dark and dry area as an ideal viewing location.

“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.”

How many moons does Jupiter have?
So far, scientists have detected 79 moons in total around Jupiter with 53 named moons.

More information for stargazers: