It’s always an exciting time when you can see one of the seven other planets in the solar system through a telescope. But it’s even more exciting when you don’t need an expensive telescope to see them!
That’s exactly what is going to happen tonight, June 10.
Jupiter will be in opposition, which means that the planet, Earth, and the sun will be in a straight line. It will be so close to Earth that we will be able to see it and four of its brightest moons – Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede – using only binoculars! Jupiter actually has 79 moons, but we won’t be able to see the other 75 of them.
Jupiter is so close to Earth you can see its moons with binoculars https://t.co/rVldBhSAOQ pic.twitter.com/IzyQVessF4
— CNET (@CNET) June 8, 2019
Vox reports that Jupiter will be visible around dusk tonight until dawn. It will rise in the east and set in the west.
Here’s How To Spot It
Look Southeast and it will be the brightest object in the sky besides the moon and Venus. Jupiter will reach ideal viewing height around 11:30pm Eastern time.
If You Miss It Tonight, Don’t Worry
NASA says, “Although opposition takes place on a specific date, the entire month or so around opposition is an equally good time to observe the planet.”
Skywatchers: Don’t miss your chance to see #Jupiter as it will be visible for much of the night! No equipment needed!
The biggest planet in our solar system will be at opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun in the sky. pic.twitter.com/kFG8xZ5zVD
— Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) June 10, 2019