Look, Jupiter! How to see the Gas Giant and its massive moons this month
Jupiter is about to come so close to planet Earth, all you’ll need to view the majestic Gas Giant is a pair of binoculars.
» RELATED: NASA's Juno spacecraft reveals a storm brewing over Jupiter
According to NASA, Jupiter "is at its biggest and brightest this month" and will be most visible to the naked eye on Monday, June 10, when it reaches opposition, a yearly occurrence when Jupiter, Earth and the sun fall into a straight line with our blue-and-green sphere right in the middle.
The arrangement makes it the best time of the year for earthlings to view Jupiter in the night sky. While opposition takes place on a specific date, you have all month to get a good glimpse of the planet and its four largest moons.
But there’s more to the month of June for eager stargazers.
From June 14-19, you can see a “beautiful line-up” of the moon, Jupiter and Saturn as the moon orbits our planet.
“While you're out marveling this trio, there's a really neat astronomy observation you can attempt yourself, just by paying attention to the Moon's movement from night to night,” the agency stated on its website.
Some viewing tips:
- Folks living in the southern hemisphere will get the best views, though people all over the world will certainly be able to enjoy the spectacle.
- Grab a pair of binoculars or a small telescope for optimal viewing.
- Find an area well away from city or street lights for prime darkness.
- Take a look at what NASA's Juno spacecraft, currently orbiting Jupiter, is picking up.
About the Author
