The space agency originally said Jupiter would make its closest approach to Earth in 70 years, but corrected its statement after the error was discovered, a NASA spokesperson said.
Neither Earth nor Jupiter orbits the sun in a perfect circle, which makes each opposition a slightly different distance, said Ray, who is also a NASA research scientist for European Evaluation and Sounding Radar: Ocean to Near Surface, or REASON.
how to watch
NASA said that Jupiter will appear brighter and larger in the sky, making the event a great chance to catch a glimpse.
The gaseous planet will rise near sunset and will appear pearly white to the naked eye, said Patrick Hartigan, professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.
With binoculars or a telescope, you’ll be able to see the planet’s ranges, according to NASA.
Ray said a stargazer may also be able to see three or four of Jupiter’s moons, including Europa.
She said, “Since I’m working on a spacecraft that we’ll send to the Jupiter system to explore Europe, I’ve always been excited to see Jupiter and even Europe with my own eyes.”
Hartigan said that Saturn and Mars will also be visible, so try to spot those planets while watching Jupiter’s opposition.
Remaining events in 2022
- South Torres: November 5
- North Torres: November 12
The total lunar eclipse on November 8 can be seen in Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South America and North America between 3:02 and 8:56 a.m. ET. But for people in eastern North America, the moon will be setting during that time.
Wear proper eclipse glasses to view a solar eclipse safely because sunlight can damage the eyes.
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