How to see Jupiter at its closest point to Earth – NBC 7 San Diego

San Diego. – On Monday, September 26, astronomy enthusiasts or simple stargazers will be able to enjoy excellent views of Jupiter all night, when the giant planet will reach its closest point to Earth in 59 years, which coincides with opposition.

Jupiter, composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, is usually the third brightest object in the sky after the Moon and Venus. In San Diego, you’ll see the gas giant rise just above the horizon to the east at 6:38 p.m., and it will be visible the rest of the night until it sets at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, September 27 directly to the west.

From the point of view of the Earth’s surface, the so-called “resistance” occurs when an astronomical body rises in the east while the sun sets in the west, placing the body and the sun on opposite sides of the Earth. Sunset today in San Diego at 6:40 p.m.

According to NASA, opposition to Jupiter occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than at any other time of the year.

but this is not all. The space agency reports that Jupiter will also achieve its closest approach to Earth since 1963.

This happens because Earth and Jupiter do not revolve around the sun in perfect circles, which means that the planets will pass each other at different distances throughout the year.

At its closest approach, Jupiter will be about 367 million miles from Earth, the same distance it was in 1963.

The best places in San Diego to gather stars

1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The community is located on the eastern edge of San Diego County near a California community Recognized internationally for its dark skies– Which cities or towns are taking measures to prevent light pollution. Here and in Ranchetta, (the town on the mountain that was on the way from San Diego to Borrego Springs) I appreciate the Milky Way as in those pictures from the space magazines.
2. Mount Quills: If you don’t like to drive or can’t drive long distances, the mountain offers less air pollution than you would find in a city, so you might be able to escape some of the glare from the lights. Of course you will have to do some exercises first to get to the top as the summit can only be reached on foot.
3. Palomar Observatory: In the county’s northeast, the mountain offers the most beautiful sky and scenery in San Diego County. Although the observatory is still closed, you can go camping and enjoy a starry night.
4. Mount Laguna: The mountains of southeastern San Diego County also provide a good option for those who want to see space and all of the astronomical events. During the day, you can also enjoy the many trails with exceptional views of the Anza Borrego desert on the eastern side of the mountain.
5. Torrey Pines Nature Reserve in La Jolla. Coastal residents can also go for a walk to this location to see the night show with the dark sea in the background. Sunsets on the sea are the most Californian, but have you ever seen the moon set on the sea? It’s an incredible thing that you can’t miss and Torrey Pines is one of the best places to do it. Sure, the lights of Del Mar and the city of San Diego can be an obstacle to really seeing the sky, but if it’s a clear night and to appreciate the full moon, you’ll be more than satisfied.

When Jupiter reaches its farthest point from Earth, it is about 600 million miles from Earth.