14 DAY TRIAL // This coming Friday, February 6, we Earth dwellers are in for a treat. Well, at least those of us who have a soft spot for the wonders of the Solar System and the cosmos.
Astronomers say that, on this date, our planet will pass between the Sun and Jupiter. What this means is that the three celestial bodies will be almost perfectly aligned.
As a result, Jupiter will appear in our sky opposite to the Sun. Not because they lack imagination or anything of the sorts, but astronomers like to refer to such events as oppositions of Jupiter.
Brace yourselves, a stunningly bright Jupiter is coming
Having our good old Earth pass between the Sun and Jupiter on February 6 means that, on this day, at about 6:30 p.m., Jupiter's silhouette will rise on the eastern sky just as the Sun sets in the west.
Fast forward a few hours, and when our parent star once again appears in the east, as it has for eons now, neighboring planet Jupiter will wave us goodbye and descend in the west.
Astronomers say that, on the day of this upcoming opposition, Jupiter will find itself at a distance of about 650 million kilometers (approximately 404 million miles) from our planet.
Its being so close to us, together with its sheer size – Jupiter's volume is over 1,300 times that of Earth – will make this neighboring planet of ours the absolute brightest object visible in the sky on February 6.
Well, not unless Martians decide to put on a light show on the Red Planet, fire up about a couple dozen truckloads of fireworks and manage to outshine it.
When they say close, they mean seriously close
Truth be told, having Jupiter hang about at a distance of 650 million kilometers from us might not sound all that impressive. Still, astronomers say that this will be enough for us to be able to observe the planet in detail.
“Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will be visible as well as a nearly full moon,” scientists with NASA write in a statement announcing an Astronomy Night organized on February 6 to mark this year's opposition of Jupiter.
Thus, word has it that, armed with nothing but binoculars, we regular folks might just get to see not just Jupiter but also its four major moons. Heck, if we're lucky enough, we might even get to see the dark bands on its surface.
Needless to say, those who happen to own a telescope or are dear friends with somebody who owns one will surely have a blast feasting their eyes on Jupiter's exquisite shape and appearance.
True, another opposition of Jupiter will happen on March 8, 2015. However, astronomers say that it won't be until 2019 that the planet will once again appear this clear and bright on our night sky.
Otherwise put, you' might want to do your best not to miss this Friday's close encounter.
