Astronomy fanatic or not, we can all appreciate a pretty night sky. And tonight, we’ll be able to enjoy something we haven’t seen for the last 59 years – Jupiter coming (relatively) close to the earth.
NASA said the biggest planet in our solar system will pass (relatively) near to Earth tonight – meaning people can see it with the naked eye.
This is because Jupiter is rising in the east as the sun sets in the west, putting them in opposite sides of the earth.
As the sun sets around 6.50pm tonight around the UK, you should be able to see Jupiter if you’re facing the eastern horizon at sunset. According to experts, all you need to do is find a nice stargazing spot – somewhere that’s high, dark and dry – to be able to see the planet, which will appear as a white dot.
Jupiter will be the brightest object in the sky other than the moon, and will be visible for around 12 hours. Those using a good telescope will also be able to witness three or four of Jupiter’s moons.
And it’s now or never, by the sound of things. The next time this is likely to occur is in around 107 years, when most of us won’t be around. The last time it took place was in 1963.
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