Jupiter close enough to Earth this month to be visible with binoculars

Posted By: Staff
June 6, 2019 @ 12:35 pm
ABC World

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vjanez/iStock(WASHINGTON) — Space enthusiasts and sky-watchers around the world are in for a treat as the largest planet in the solar system puts on a show in June.

Jupiter will be its “biggest and brightest” during the month of June, and the planet will rise at dusk and remain visible all night with the naked eye, say NASA officials.

For those who want to observe the gas giant in detail, the space agency says that binoculars or a small telescope are the way to go.

“The solar system’s largest planet is a brilliant jewel to the naked eye, but looks fantastic through binoculars or a small telescope, which will allow you to spot the four largest moons, and maybe even glimpse a hint of the banded clouds that encircle the planet,” NASA officials posted on their website.

The best time for sky-gazers to see the massive planet is June 10, when Jupiter reaches its “opposition.” This is an annual occurrence that happens when Jupiter, Earth and the sun are arranged in a straight line.