Keep an eye on the sky tonight for a rare opportunity to see Jupiter shining extra bright.
Monday, 10 June may be the best night of the year to see Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.
Jupiter is currently ‘at opposition’, meaning it’s aligned with both the earth and sun, making it extra visible across the world.
The planet is its own little solar system, and should be visible to the naked eye.
Professor Brian Espey from the Trinity College School of Physics reckons it will be rising “around 10 o’clock or so” and will be most visible at midnight.
Espey expects “it will be fairly low in the sky, but should be visible from any decent pair of binoculars”.
“It will rise to the south east, and will be a slightly yellow colour,” he told JOE.
Espey recommends apps like Heavens Above for additional information on charts and satellites.
Professor Joseph Roche, also of the Trinity College Physics Department, recommends getting away from light pollution in cities and towns for the best possible view.
Jupiter should be visible for the rest of the week too, weather permitting, but if you can at all, you’re better off trying to spot it tonight.
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