Jupiter is clearly visible during periods of serenity

Have you also enjoyed the meteors that have shot up into the sky in recent weeks? Then we have good news for you, because there will be something beautiful in the sky for the coming nights! Jupiter looks so big and shiny you want to see that, of course. You can read in this article if the weather also cooperates a little.

To be able to see the buyer, it must, of course, be clarified. Unfortunately, we have been dealing with a lot of cloud fields for several days and that will also be the case the next night. Bright spot: it becomes clear from time to time between cloud fields! It’s worth taking a look outside during those obvious spells. You have to be quick, because if the cloud fields pass again, it may take some time before Jupiter shows itself again. There will likely be more purges into the night into Saturday, but then the fog can throw a wrench in the works.

Read us for the latest predictions Detailed weather forecast from Belgium!

What exactly is the opposition of Jupiter?

During the so-called opposition of Jupiter, the Sun, Earth and Jupiter are aligned. This will take place on Friday, August 20 at approximately 2:30 AM. Since Jupiter was relatively close to Earth at that time, the planet appears larger and brighter than usual. Jupiter is recognizable to the naked eye as a bright star that moves across the sky from east through south to west during the night. So just after sunset you have to look east to see Jupiter, in the morning to the west. Between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, the planet is the highest on the horizon and best seen at that time.

By the way, not only will Jupiter be very big and bright for the next few nights, but for a few more weeks. If you miss the opposition of Jupiter, you will have plenty of time to discover the largest planet in our solar system in the near future. Jupiter is gradually getting smaller and less bright. In addition, the best time to watch moves into the late evening. In 399 days, at the end of September 2022, the next Jupiter opposition will take place.

Jupiter is more beautiful with binoculars or stars

Jupiter can be seen with the naked eye, but with binoculars or stargazers the view of a large planet is better. With binoculars, you can discover the four largest moons of Jupiter. And using a stargazer or telescope, you can even see the planet’s bands!

Jupiter is the so-called gas giant. The planet is largely made of gases and has a solid core. Jupiter’s atmosphere is very turbulent with violent storms hitting its surface. The planet is famous for its red dot, a massive hurricane that has been visible for centuries.

Main image: NASA/Bill Dunford