You will be able to see Jupiter from home without the need for a telescope (weather permitting).
Jupiter will be visible this Monday, September 26 at its closest and brightest point in 59 years.
On this day, Jupiter can be seen without a telescope from anywhere in the world, although you will have to be lucky so that your city, clouds and lights do not interrupt your observation.
Jupiter at its closest point
On Monday two astronomical figures will coincide that will allow this space encounter.
Every 13 months, Jupiter achieves opposition, when it is diametrically opposite the Sun relative to Earth.
However, the same day will coincide with perigee, the closest point in Jupiter’s orbit to Earth .
In numbers, this closest approach is 590 million kilometers away: the double phenomenon has not happened since 1936, so it will be a unique event in our days.
Take advantage of seeing Jupiter
It will be enough to look up, if the weather allows it, to people to be able to see Jupiter in the sky.
However, if you have some binoculars, the show will be even better. As astrophysicist Adam Kobelski explained in a NASA statement, with good binoculars you could see at least the central band of Jupiter and 3 or 4 of the Galilean satellites.
Kobelski recommends a larger telescope to see the Great Red Spot and Jupiter ‘s bands in more detail; a 4-inch or larger telescope and some filters in the green to blue range would improve the visibility of these features.
“Views should be great for a few days before and after September 26,” Kobelski said. “So take advantage of the good weather on either side of this date to enjoy the view. Outside of the Moon, it should be one of (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky.”