Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will be its smallest distance from Earth in 59 years on Monday (09/26). This phenomenon occurs because on this date the gas giant reaches the so-called point of opposition. From the point of view of the Earth’s surface, resistance occurs when an astronomical body rises in the east while the sun sets in the west, placing the body and the sun on opposite sides of our planet.
Opposition to Jupiter
The opposition of Jupiter occurs every 13 months, Making the planet look bigger and brighter than at any other time of the year. This phenomenon will be special this year, since the gas giant will also approach the Earth since 1963. This is because the Earth and Jupiter do not revolve around the Sun in perfect circles, which means that the planets pass at different distances from each other. Throughout the year.
“Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, which means the view this year will be exceptional.”, as stated in a NASA statement. At its closest approach, Jupiter will be approximately 590 million kilometers from Earth. When it reaches the farthest point from our planet, it is about 965 million kilometers away.
“With good binoculars, bands (at least Jupiter’s central band) and three or four Galilean satellites should be visible,” said Adam Kobelsky, an astrophysicist at NASA. He added, “It is important to remember that Galileo observed these satellites with equipment dating back to the seventeenth century.” The researcher recommends looking for an elevated location in a dark, dry area.
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