Spot Jupiter in the night sky: The planet will make its closest approach to Earth in 59 years

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Stargazers can expect a spectacular view of Jupiter on Monday evening, as the giant planet will be its closest to Earth in the last six decades.

NASA has confirmed that the giant planet will be in opposition on Monday. From the viewpoint of the Earth’s surface, 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.

Jupiter’s opposition happens every 13 months, making it appear larger and brighter than any other time of the year. But that’s not all, NASA says.

Since 1963, the planet has been closest to Earth.

“This happens because Earth and Jupiter do not orbit the Sun in perfect circles -- meaning the planets will pass each other at different distances throughout the year,” said NASA. “Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, which means this year’s views will be extraordinary.”

Jupiter will be 367 million miles away from Earth at its closest approach. This distance is approximately the same distance as it was in 1963.

The planet is approximately 600,000,000 miles from Earth at its furthest point.

“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, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “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.”

Kobelski said he recommends a larger telescope to see Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and bands in more detail. These features can be seen better with a telescope of at least 4 inches and filters in the green-blue range. The ideal viewing location is at a higher elevation and in a dry, dark area.

Kobelski stated that even if you miss it Monday the views will still be spectacular for a few days.

“So, take advantage of good weather on either side of this date to take in the sight,” he said. “Outside of the Moon, it should be one of the [if not the] brightest objects in the night sky.”

Although Jupiter has 53 moons named, scientists believe that there are 79 moons. The four largest moons, Io Europa, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa, are known as the Galilean satellites. They are named after Galileo Galilei, who first saw them in 1610. The Galilean satellites can be seen as bright dots at either end of Jupiter during opposition, whether you use binoculars or a telescope.

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has been orbiting Jupiter for six years. It is dedicated to the exploration of Jupiter and its moons.

Juno started its journey in 2011, and reached Jupiter five year later. Since 2016, the spacecraft has provided incredible images and data about Jupiter’s lively atmosphere, interior structures, internal magnetic field, and magnetosphere.

Scientists believe that studying Jupiter could lead to breakthrough discoveries regarding the formation of our solar system. Juno’s mission was recently extended until 2025 or until the end of the spacecraft’s life.

The Europa Clipper is the next major project in Jupiter exploration. This spacecraft will explore Jupiter’s iconic moon, Europa, which is known for its icy shell and vast ocean that lies beneath its surface. NASA scientists are trying to determine if Europa is able to sustain life.

Europa Clipper’s targeted launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than October 2024.

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