Look Up! Jupiter Will Come The Closest to Earth in 59 Years This Monday

The 'king of the planets' is looking great as of late. It has been a long time since anyone has seen the gas giant in such a positive light.

The view is going to be amazing when Jupiter comes closest to Earth in 59 years. If you have a telescope, it never hurts to use it.

The combination of opposition and the perfect perihelion is what made it all happen. It's time to read on.

Jupiter's distance from the Sun shrinks every twelve Earth years, giving those of us in the uptown part of the Solar System a great view of the massive outer suburb planet.

The added shine Jupiter gets at its closest approach to the Sun isn't much of a deal for those of us viewing from here on Earth. We're not always in the same area because we're on our own.

We are in the neighborhood. It's sort of

The point at which Jupiter's distance from the Sun is at its absolute shortest will not happen until early next year. By that time, Earth will be in its own endless circle of travel.

This week is when Jupiter is in opposition. A perfectly straight line can be drawn from the Sun to Earth.

A full-frontal, front-row seat of Jupiter would be given by opposition and a perfect perihelion. The last time we were close to the giant was in October 1963, when Bobby Vinton hit the charts with Blue Velvet.

We might be able to get close to Jupiter. It might be a small touch. Earth's is not as circular as Jupiter's is.

Our planet is close to the Sun in the middle of the year. We are a fraction over 150 million kilometers away from our own perihelion, which is early next year.

In the scheme of things, these distances are not very significant. Bigger tides, extra earthquakes, or more meteorites will not be expected.

Just after the sun sets, look to the eastern horizon to see the beauty of the universe. You should look for a bright star.

EarthSky.com says that Jupiter will be one of the brighter objects in the night sky. The full moon has an apparent magnitude of -12.

Before you step out, make sure to grab a telescope or binoculars. Say hello to him.