Jupiter closest to Earth in 47 years

Tonight Jupiter is at opposition and shines more brightly now than at anytime this year. Go out and get an eyeful while it's so close to Earth. Opposition means opposite the sun, and that's exactly where the planet will be - when the sun...

Jupiter Wesley annotated — I've labeled the most prominent belts on Jupiter in this photo taken by Australian amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley. The North Equatorial Belt is dark and easy to see even in a very small scope.

September 20, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Jupiter elliptical orbit — Planets orbit in ellipses with the sun off to one side. When furthest from the sun, a planet is at aphelion. Illustration: Bob King

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