How to see Jupiter in Ireland tonight as planet closest to earth in 59 years

Hopeful stargazers should get a real treat tonight - as Jupiter is set to be visible in Ireland.

Tonight will see the largest planet in our solar system move within 590 million kilometres of earth.

With clear skies being predicted by astronomers and weather experts, Irish people who look to the sky this evening may be able to spot the 'gas giant'.

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Jupiter pictured by the James Webb telescope (NASA)

A reliable telescope or even a decent pair of binoculars is all you'll need.

In terms of timing, Jupiter rises to the east as the sun sets in the west (this is because it's in "opposition" to the Sun and the Earth's arc).

It should come close enough to Earth that it will be visible to the naked eye, or closer in with the aforementioned binoculars, around 7pm.

As the sun sets in the west, Jupiter will rise in the east (PA Graphics/Press Association Images)

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime situation as well, as Earth crossing with Jupiter's arc isn't set to happen again until we go into the next century, at the earliest.

Michelle Thaller, an astronomer at NASA, told the Washington Post: "This is one of the fun things about living on a moving planet.

"Everything is lined up to make Jupiter the largest you will see in the sky for the last 59 years."

Star gazers should find a high spot, dark skies and dry weather for the best visibility.

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