Space lovers will be able to enjoy clear views of the biggest planet in the solar system later this month as Jupiter moves close to earth.
NASA has announced that Jupiter will be at its “biggest and brightest” in June, “rising at dusk and remaining visible all night," allowing stargazers to see its moons with just a pair of binoculars.
The space agency said in a statement that just a pair of binoculars or small telescope would allow viewers to spot “the four largest moons, and maybe even glimpse a hint of the banded clouds that encircle the planet”.
Scientists believe the planet, which is almost eleven times the size of Earth, has a combined 79 moons — 53 named and 26 awaiting official names.
NASA explained on its website that the gas giant would reach opposition – the annual occurrence when the Jupiter, Earth and the Sun are arranged in a straight line – on Monday, June 10.
This will make it the “best time of the year” for stargazing.
The following week, Mars and Mercury will appear “ultra-close together immediately after sunset” for two days, on June 17th and 18th, the agency added.
It said: “You'll need a pretty clear view of the western horizon to catch them, as the pair will be only a few degrees above it. But it should be spectacular if you can manage it.
“In the middle of the month, from about June 14th to the 19th, look for the Moon to form a beautiful lineup in the sky with Jupiter and Saturn that changes each night as the Moon moves in its orbit around Earth.”
Images from NASA’s Juno space probe reveal just how impressive the red-spotted giant, famous for its brilliant stripes and swirls, really is.
