Jupiter to Reach Closest Distance to Earth in 70 Years

NASA reports that on September 26, space lovers can expect great views of Jupiter, which will appear in opposition, arising when the astronomical object rises in the east and the Sun sets in the west. As a result, the observed object and the Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth.

Jupiter's opposition occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than at any other time of year. However, at the end of this month, it will be at its lowest distance from Earth in 70 years. Jupiter's convergence with our planet rarely coincides with opposition, which means the views this year will be particularly beautiful. It is noted that Jupiter will be at a distance of 365 million miles (587 million km) from Earth on September 26. At its farthest point, the greatest distance between the planets is about 600 million miles from Earth (966 million km)

Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, noted:

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

He also advises using a larger telescope to get a closer look at the Great Red Spot and Jupiter's bands; a telescope 4 inches or larger and some filters in the green-blue range will improve visibility of these objects. The ideal place for observation, he said, would be high ground in a dark and dry place.