After the stars falling in the Perseids, we can enjoy more bright spots in the sky in the near future. Jupiter is especially visible! You can read exactly when we can expect it and where to look in this article.
The fifth and largest planet in our solar system will be additionally visible in the near future. Jupiter, sun and earth align. This is also called Jupiter’s opposition to the sun He called because they are exactly opposite each other.
Jupiter is very big and bright
Due to the relatively small distance between Earth and Jupiter during the period of resistance, the planet is relatively large and bright, and therefore easy to see! And of course you should not throw clouds with a wrench in the works. This opposition will take place on Friday, August 20, around 2:30 AM. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to get up late at night and Jupiter can also be spotted at other times.
These are the best watching moments
Since Jupiter, Earth and the Sun are on the same line, Jupiter becomes visible at sunset. So the planet can be seen almost all night long. Jupiter rises in the east after sunset and sets in the west with sunrise. So the Sun and Jupiter exchange a penny! Might be useful mnemonic is Fifthdisappears in Fifthsand NSappears in THighland. The only thing that can hinder Jupiter is clouds. in a The most comprehensive weather forecast in the Netherlands Read when spells are visible and you can enjoy this beautiful scene!
Jupiter is clearly visible not only during the exact moment of confrontation, but also for several weeks and even months before and after it. So tonight you already have a good chance. In the days and weeks leading up to August 20, it’s best to get out of bed early and stay up a little longer in the aftermath.
The scopes of Jupiter can only be seen with a telescope. This image was taken by the Hubble Telescope. Photo: NASA/ESA/A. Simon and MH Wong
night star
With the naked eye you see Jupiter as a bright star. With binoculars you have a chance to discover the four largest moons. To get a close-up you need a telescope and then the marked bands appear.
Because of the elliptical orbit of Jupiter and Earth, the moment of the shortest distance does not completely correspond to the moment of resistance. The distance is the smallest at 7:30 am, but then the sun has already risen for an hour and Jupiter is no longer visible. We’ll have to wait a little over a year for the next proper viewing moment. After 399 days, all noses will be in the same direction again!
Main image: NASA/Bill Dunford