Jupiter is set to make its closest approach to Earth on September 26
This is the first time it is happening in the last 70 years
Stargazers can expect an excellent view when the giant planet reaches opposition
From the viewpoint of Earth’s surface, opposition happens when an astronomical object rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west, placing the object and the Sun on opposite sides of Earth
Jupiter’s opposition occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than any other time of the year. But that’s not all
Jupiter’s closest approach to Earth rarely coincides with opposition, which means this year’s views will be extraordinary, NASA said
At its closest approach, Jupiter will be approximately 365 million miles in distance from Earth
The planet is approximately 600 million miles away from Earth at its farthest point