March 29, 2024
Jupiter will be closer to Earth and be very luminous;  how to watch

Jupiter will be closer to Earth and be very luminous; how to watch

a September It comes to an end with a key – astronomical – of gold. One of the most anticipated cosmic events will occur on Sunday (25th): the opposition of Jupiter, which will be very luminous and also closest to Earth this century.

It is a perfect opportunity to observe the planet, either with the naked eye or with telescopes, and above all, to make beautiful recordings.

that?

The paradox occurs when a celestial body is placed on the opposite side of the Sun (relative to the Earth, which is between the two bodies). This is often the best time to observe any planet.

What makes this opposition even more special is that in September, Jupiter also made its closest approach to Earth in the 21st century, being “only” 590.3 million km away from us.

Its entire visible face will be illuminated by the Sun, shining with a power of about -3 (for comparison, Venus shines at -5 and the Moon at -13).

As a result, you will look older and brighter than at any other time in the last 22 years.

Jupiter James Webb - NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Team - NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Team

Jupiter was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope with its faint rings and moons

Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Team

How do you monitor?

On the 25th of the month, Jupiter will be visible from early evening until dawn, sweeping across the sky.

about 18:30, rising in the east (against sunset); About 5:30 a.m., it sets west.

The best times to observe are between these two periods, with the planet high in the sky.

With the Moon “out”, in its nova phase, and Venus only appearing in the morning, Jupiter will be the brightest object in the night sky.

It shouldn’t be hard to find. To the naked eye, it looks like a large, pale yellow star.

If you are having trouble locating, use File Site or Application astronomy (as SkywalkAnd the start tableor Sky Safari or stellarium).

It’s the best time to photograph the planet, revealing its stunning distinctive details – such as its colorful cloud bands and the four largest of its 79 moons (ioEurope, Ganymede and Callisto).

With the help of binoculars or a telescope, the sight becomes clearer and more surprising.

The event can be seen from anywhere in Brazil, if the sky is clear. The next few days are also great opportunities to watch.