Jupiter and earth within rare 'kissing distance' on Sep 26: Know when and where to watch

Washington, Sep 19: Stargazers are in for a rare treat in coming days as Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, rarely coincides with Earth that will bring them within planetary kissing distance in the evening sky. Yes, you read it right! The planets will appear closer than at any time in almost 70 years.

According to NASA blog post, Jupiter will make its closest approach to Earth on September 26. This spectacular phenomenon, according to NASA, is called 'opposition' in which an astronomical object rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west, placing the object and the Sun on opposite sides of Earth.

Best of all, the spectacle, which will be visible from all over the world, can be enjoyed with a special equipment- larger telescope, as soon as the sky gets dark.

Jupiter's opposition occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than any other time of the year. But that's not all. Jupiter will also make its closest approach to Earth in the last 70 years! This happens because Earth and Jupiter do not orbit the Sun in perfect circles - meaning the planets will pass each other at different distances throughout the year.

Jupiter's closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, which means this year's views will be extraordinary. At its closest approach, Jupiter will be approximately 365 million miles in distance from Earth. The massive planet is approximately 600 million miles away from Earth at its farthest point.

How and when to watch

"With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible," said Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "It's important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th century optics. One of the key needs will be a stable mount for whatever system you use."

Kobelski recommends a larger telescope to see Jupiter's Great Red Spot and bands in more detail; a 4 inch-or-larger telescope and some filters in the green to blue range would enhance the visibility of these features.

According to Kobelski, an ideal viewing location will be at a high elevation in a dark and dry area.

"The views should be great for a few days before and after Sept. 26," Kobelski said. "So, take advantage of good weather on either side of this date to take in the sight. Outside of the Moon, it should be one of the (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky."

Jupiter has 53 named moons, but scientists believe that 79 moons have been detected in total. The four largest moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are called the Galilean satellites. They are named after the man who first observed them in 1610, Galileo Galilei. In binoculars or a telescope, the Galilean satellites should appear as bright dots on either side of Jupiter during opposition.