Jupiter’s status as the largest planet in our solar system has long made the celestial body a prime target for sky watchers around the world. Now, the planet has been on the verge of getting close to Earth for nearly six decades, creating one of the biggest (literally) sights for fans of the universe.
Since Earth and Jupiter do not technically revolve around the sun in perfect circles, the planets pass each other at varying distances depending on the time of year. Come Monday, September 26, Jupiter’s orbit will place it 367 million miles from our planet, the closest it has been since 1963.
“With good binoculars, the band (at least the central band) and three or four Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible,” Adam Kobelsky, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama wrote in a blog post on Monday. “It is important to remember that Galileo observed these moons using 17th century optics. One of the basic needs is to have a stable base for whatever system you use.”
How do I see Jupiter with my telescope?
Despite it being the largest element in the night sky, officials recommend getting a larger telescope at least 4 inches or larger, then traveling somewhere at a higher altitude and catching up.
“The views should be great for a few days before and after September 26th,” he added. “So take advantage of the good weather on either side of this date to enjoy watching. Outside the moon, it has to be one of the brightest (if not) things in the night sky.”
Will I be able to see any other planets?
According to NASA, “Jupiter has 53 identified moons, but scientists believe that a total of 79 moons have been discovered. The four largest moonsIo, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto are called Galilean satellites. “If you are able to spot Jupiter with your telescope, the largest moons should appear as bright spots on either side of Jupiter during the event.
For more images from the Webb Space Telescope and other cosmic stories, check out the ComicBook Invasion Center here.
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