Jupiter in Opposition Tonight
by adminJupiter will be in opposition this evening, and should make for good viewing if the weather in your area allows for it.
Opposition is when a major planet is on the exact opposite side of the Earth than the sun. It is when planets are the closest to Earth for that year and usually means the best viewing. Jupiter is not as close as it could be; that will happen in the 2010 opposition.
Jupiter’s moons can be observed with steady binoculars. For more detail, use about 75-200x magnification with your telescope. With a magnitude of about -2.7, you can even enjoy this view in the city (weather permitting). It will rise in the east and opposition will take place around 2AM EST.
Happy viewing!
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