View Jupiter’s closest approach to the Earth in 59 years on September 26

On September 26, Jupiter will make its closest approach to Earth since 1963. Here is how you can take the opportunity to get the best view of the biggest planet in our solar system.

Jupiter is set to make its closest approach to Earth in the last 59 years according to NASA. We can expect excellent views of the gas giant on Monday, September 26, when the biggest planet in our solar system will be in opposition from the viewpoint of Earth’s surface.

“Opposition” happens when an astronomical object, in this case, Jupiter, rises in the East as the Sun sets on the west, placing the planet and the Sun on opposite sides of the Earth. With Jupiter, this opposition happens once every 13 months, when the planet will appear larger and brighter than any other time of the year. But the phenomenon on September 26 is a bit rarer.

On that day, Jupiter will make its closest approach to the Earth in the last 59 years. Neither the Earth nor Jupiter orbit the sun in perfect circles. This means that both planets will pass each other at different distances throughout the year. Jupiter’s closest approach to our planet rarely coincides with opposition, making September 26 a rare treat

At the time, Jupiter will be approximately 590 million kilometres away from the Earth, which last happened in 1963. At its farthest, Jupiter is over 965 million kilometres away from Earth.