On Jan. 10 Jupiter reaches opposition, when Earth sits between the planet and the Sun, making Jupiter appear larger and brighter than at any other time this year. Look east after sunset to see it shining all evening in the constellation Gemini; only the Moon and Venus will be brighter. NASA notes Jupiter has 95 recognized moons, and the four Galilean satellites (Io, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto) are visible with binoculars — Ganymede is larger than Mercury.
Why That Bright Light in Kansas’s Eastern Sky Is Jupiter — Best View on Jan. 10
The king of the planets, Jupiter, reaches opposition on Jan. 10 when it will be visible from sunset to sunrise.
On Jan. 10, Jupiter will appear larger and brighter in our sky than at any other time this year as the planet reaches opposition — when Earth passes directly between Jupiter and the Sun.
How to See Jupiter
Look toward the eastern sky after sunset and you’ll spot Jupiter shining all evening in the constellation Gemini. It will be one of the brightest objects visible: only the Moon and Venus will be brighter.
Quick Facts About Jupiter
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in our solar system. A true gas giant, it is composed mostly of hydrogen and helium and is one of four gas giants that include Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Humans have observed Jupiter since prehistoric times, and the planet bears the name of the chief deity of ancient Roman religion.
According to NASA, the International Astronomical Union currently recognizes 95 moons orbiting Jupiter. Four of those—the Galilean moons Io, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto—are bright enough to be seen from Earth with a good pair of binoculars. Ganymede, the largest, is actually bigger than the planet Mercury.
Tips For Viewing
For the best view, wait until after sunset when Jupiter is higher above the horizon and try to observe from a dark location with an unobstructed eastern horizon. Binoculars will easily reveal the Galilean moons; a small telescope can show cloud bands and more detail on the planet’s disk.
Contact: Tim Hrenchir — threnchir@gannett.com | 785-213-5934
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