Jupiteris the prominent satellite in oursolar system , and the largest one that’svisiblefromEarthwith the naked eye . And it will be even easier to discern on the dark of November 2 - 3 , 2023 , when the gasolene monster turn over oppositeness , making it come along extra big and bright in the sky . Here ’s what you need to cognise to catch theonce - every-13 - monthsspectacle .
What is Jupiter at opposition?
Roughly once a twelvemonth , Earthcomes betweenJupiter and the sun . During this time , Jupiter is atoppositionto the sun , which means that from our planet ’s linear perspective , Jupiter appears to rise in the E as the sun sets in the west . On Thursday , November 2 and early morning of November 3 , 2023 , the sun will be in the consummate military position to full illuminate Jupiter ’s gaseous Earth’s surface .
Another factor influencing Jupiter ’s spectacular appearance : the planet make the closest decimal point in its orbital cavity to Earth one day earlier on November 1 . On that night , Jupiter will be a mere370 million miles awayfrom us , making it appear large than usual . That , combined with its exceptional brightness , place Jupiter ’s opposition as the best prison term of year to see the satellite from wherever you are .
When to See Jupiter at Opposition
To see Jupiter at its bright , wait until the sun has completely set and the sky is glum on the night of Thursday , November 2 . The instant of foe come about at 1 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Friday , November 3 , and the planet will be bright than usual in the time of day before and after the event .
The bottom billet : Look skywards at any clock time on the Nox of November 2–3 and you should be able-bodied to enchant a glimpse of Jupiter before it eventually disappears in the western sky . Spot it near the constellationAries .
A version of this story was published in 2020 and has been been dated for 2023 .
