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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

You will be able to see Jupiter and its moons with a pair of binoculars tonight

Sky-watchers are in for a treat on Monday night and for the rest of June as Jupiter has entered its biggest and brightest month.

Jupiter will reach its closest point to Earth in the night sky tonight (June 10) - and will be so close that it will be visible to the naked eye.

And with the added help of binoculars, you will also be able to see the planet's four largest moons.

Jupiter, the solar system's biggest planet, will rise in the southern sky at dusk and will remain visible all night when it reaches a point known as opposition, according to NASA.

It comes as the yearly occurrence when Jupiter and the Sun align in a straight line with Earth in the middle.

NASA said: "It's the best time of the year to see Jupiter, as the planet is visible in the sky all night, and it's around the time when Jupiter is closest to Earth.

(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

"Although opposition takes place on a specific date, the entire month or so around opposition is an equally good time to observe the planet and its four largest moons."

The four largest moons out of its 79 are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

As well as the moons, you might even be in for a glimpse of the banded clouds that encircle the planet, according to the space group.

Where's best to spot Jupiter?

NASA advises sky-watchers to head to an area that doesn't have a lot of buildings or street lights, which might interfere with your view. It's most likely to be visible with a clear sky.

When else is best to sky-watch in June?

In mid-June, Mars and Mercury appear ultra-close together immediately after sunset for two days, on June 17 and 18.

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. 

Also in the middle of the month, from about June 14 to the 19, look for the Moon to form a lineup in the sky with Jupiter and Saturn that changes each night as the Moon moves in its orbit around Earth.

If you spot a clear sighting of Jupiter tonight, or any other planets in June, we'd love to hear from you.

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