Jupiter is nearly at opposition, meaning the huge planet is at one of its closest points to Earth. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system at roughly 1,300 more total volume than Earth. (NASA)

By Ian Holmes

Space show

Get out the telescope: Jupiter to reach peak brightness and size in night sky

Jun 14, 2019 | 7:40 AM

NANAIMO — Space buffs have their eyes in the sky to get a premium look at the largest planet in the solar system.

VIU astronomy professor Dr. Greg Arkos said Jupiter is currently at one of its closest points to Earth, which means the gas giant is as big and bright as it will appear to Earth all year.

“If you’re looking out in the southeast part of the sky and see something really bright in the horizon, odds are it’s Jupiter,” Arkos told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said Jupiter’s colours and cloudy, striped features can be seen with a telescope.

As an added bonus, Arkos said the planet’s four Galilean moons are easier to see at this time. The moons, discovered in the early 1600’s by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, are lined up on both sides of Jupiter.

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“You can actually see them with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope pretty easily year-round, but since Jupiter is closer to us it makes it easier for us to pick them out.”

Arkos said those willing to stay up until about 2 a.m. Sunday have a good chance of seeing Jupiter’s famous red spot through a telescope.

“It’s a little tough to see visually. It doesn’t stand out quite as much as the photographs of the big red stop sign colour.”

Arkos said Saturn can also be seen trailing Jupiter in the southeast part of the sky between midnight and 2 a.m.

He said Jupiter is slowly fading away from Earth, a process which takes a few months.

The Nanaimo Astronomy Society is hosting a public viewing Saturday evening at Maffeo Sutton Park of the moon (8 p.m.) and Jupiter (roughly 9:30 p.m.).

The society will have several telescopes set up in the park for the general public to use, weather permitting.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes