Why Jupiter's approach toward Earth is important this time
Why Jupiter's approach toward Earth is important this time
Jupiter made its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60 years.
Jupiter made its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60 years.
Jupiter’s orbit has not brought the gas giant this close to Earth since 1963.
Jupiter’s orbit has not brought the gas giant this close to Earth since 1963.
Jupiter was approximately 367 million miles from the surface of Earth.
Jupiter was approximately 367 million miles from the surface of Earth.
This is twice as close as Jupiter's farthest point which was roughly 600 million miles from its rocky neighbor.
This is twice as close as Jupiter's farthest point which was roughly 600 million miles from its rocky neighbor.
Jupiter's approach this year was an extraordinary opportunity to view the biggest object in the solar system.
Jupiter's approach this year was an extraordinary opportunity to view the biggest object in the solar system.
Jupiter looked bigger and brighter than it has in more than five decades. It was the brightest apart from the moon.
Jupiter looked bigger and brighter than it has in more than five decades. It was the brightest apart from the moon.
Jupiter stood opposite the sun on September 26.
Jupiter stood opposite the sun on September 26.
This allowed skywatchers to see the largest planet in incredible detail during an event known as opposition.
This allowed skywatchers to see the largest planet in incredible detail during an event known as opposition.
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