Through various affiliate programs, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases when you click affiliate links. This is at no extra charge to you and offsets our cost of creating this content.
The visually spectacular Jupiter is about to make its closest approach to Earth in 59 years. The largest planet in our Solar System is now in opposition to Earth’s orbit. That puts it directly behind us — opposite from the Sun. It is also at its closest point to Earth today. This means you will get to see Jupiter at its largest and brightest in the night sky today. The sight will last for several days past September 26th unless weather interferes with your sky view.
If you want to join other astronomers around the world in this rare and magnificent sight, read below to see where and how easily you can get a breathtaking look of our Solar System’s gas giant. You will even get to see Jupiter’s four large Galilean moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto with a pair of binoculars.
The next time Jupiter will come this near to us on Earth will be October of 2129. So, don’t miss out unless you plan to be around 107 years from now!
Table of Contents
Why Jupiter Is This Close To Earth Now
Jupiter reaches opposition relative to Earth approximately every 13 months. Because planetary orbits are elliptical, opposition times and their closest point to Earth rarely match. This year’s opposition of Jupiter also coincides with its closest approach to Earth. So, on September 26th 2022 we get to see Jupiter as close as 367 million miles from us according to NASA.
Where To Look For Jupiter In The Night Sky
If you are not familiar with the constellations of the stars, don’t despair. The easiest way to find Jupiter during opposition is to look for the largest celestial object (other than the moon of course) in the post-dusk evening sky directly east. If you still need directional help then consider that Jupiter is in opposition to the Sun. So, when the Sun sets in the west, Jupiter will rise above the night horizon directly opposite in the east.
What happens when you need to find another planet or star that is not the largest and brightest like Jupiter? The easiest tool is a stargazing app that you can download on your phone. We recommend SkyView Lite as it is the best of the free apps for amateur stargazers.
Once downloaded, SkyView accesses your precise geolocation from your phone. It then knows exactly where the stars are relative to you. Give the app access to your camera. Now when you point your phone up to any star you see, it will let you know the name along with other interesting information about that celestial body.
There is also a search/find function. It will tell you which direction to move your phone to in order to find the celestial object you typed in. SkyView is easy to use and will make night sky watching enjoyable and less frustrating for any part-time astronomer.
Finding Jupiter With The SkyView App
In the screenshot above from the SkyView app taken just before sunset, we know that Jupiter will be rising up in the direction of the light blue dots as the night proceeds. Once it gets dark, wait a few hours for the planet to rise above the trees in the horizon for the best look.
MASTER INFLUENCER MAGAZINE
Subscribe Today
Get business smart and stay ahead of everyone else. Keep up-to-date with the latest news, research, and trends from us with a digital magazine subscription.
YES! Start my free subscription to Master Influencer Magazine
How To See Jupiter Up Close Without A Telescope
If you think the only way to enjoy the majesty of our night sky is with expensive telescopes, think again. The easiest and most fulfilling way to see Jupiter at its closest is with a pair of binoculars. Odds are you already have one in your house that would suffice.
For casual night sky viewing, a pair of binoculars with a 10×50 magnification is the best. Anything above that would need a fixed stand to remove shakiness in the viewport from small movements of your hands. The one I use is a 10×50 from Celestron and is less than $50.
Stabilizing Your Binoculars For Extended Night Sky Viewing
The best upgrade, if you plan on doing additional stargazing, would be a binocular stand or tripod. For the short term, you can steady your hands as you watch the stars by placing them on a deck railing, fence or chair top. Be careful of your neck. Looking upwards for too long will strain it.
Viewing Jupiter’s Four Large Galilean Moons
With most binoculars, you can also see Jupiter’s four large Galilean moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Unless any of them are directly behind the planet. Use this online tool to get real-time tracking information of Jupiter’s moons. This way you will be able to know exactly which of the moons you are seeing with your binoculars.
Beware. If you’ve not seen Jupiter’s moons with a pair of binoculars before, prepare to be truly amazed. And to feel an urge to take up stargazing as a full-blown hobby in the near future.
Bottom Line On Jupiter’s Closest Approach To Earth In 2022
Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth since 1963 as it enters opposition to the Sun and is also at its closest point to Earth on the same day (Sept 26). You will be able to see it at its largest in the night sky. Your household binoculars will bring it surprisingly close to you for a memorable view of this majestic planet, including its four Galilean moons.
If you miss seeing Jupiter on this day, don’t worry. It is still relatively large in the night sky for even the next month. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the second largest object of our Solar System up close. Happy stargazing!
Published 7:03 PM EDT, Mon September 26, 2022
Shaun Mendonsa, PhD is an influencing expert and pharmaceutical development leader. He writes on the topics of influence and persuasion, and develops next generation drugs in human pharma by advising international pharmaceutical CROs and CMOs. He can be reached at [email protected].
Keywords
Jupiter Opposition; Stargazing; Night Sky Watching; Binoculars; SkyView App; Solar System
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Advertised Business Content
Advertisement
The Women: A Novel
$14.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
First Lie Wins: Reese's Book Club Pick (A Novel)
$14.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Lost Bookshop: The most charming and uplifting novel for 2024 and the perfect gift for book lovers!
$2.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel
$14.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel
$14.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel
$14.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Silent Patient
$12.99 (as of March 30, 2024 21:02 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bunch O Balloons Reusable Water Balloons 6 Pack by ZURU
10% Off
Just Play The Original Slinky Walking Spring Toy, Metal Slinky, Fidget Toys, Kids Toys for Ages 5 Up
30% Off
Baby Books 0-6 Months,Infant Tummy Time Toys High Contrast Sensory Baby Toys 6 to 12 Months Touch Feel Book Gift Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Boys Girls 0-3 Months Book Early Learning Stroller Toy
35% Off
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Magical Unicorn Toy, Transforms from Unicorn to Seahorse to Peacock, Rainbow Animal Figures, Unicorn Gift for Grandchildren, Girls and Boys, Buildable Toys, 31140
34% Off
Move2Play, Egg Toss, Hilariously Wild and Fun, Easter Basket Stuffer, Easter Gift for Kids and Toddlers, Kids Game
$29.99 (as of March 31, 2024 17:23 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow!™ 300+ Refill Stickers for Sticker Stamper Arts and Crafts Fidget Toy Collectibles – Dog Pets Theme, Assorted (Stickers Only) Removable Stickers for Girls and Boys 3+
$4.97 (as of March 31, 2024 17:40 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Yookidoo Baby Bath Shower Head - Elephant Water Pump and Trunk Spout Rinser - for Newborn Babies in Tub Or Sink
$24.95 (as of March 31, 2024 00:00 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy, Transforms from Toy Camera to Retro Video Camera to Retro TV Set, Photography Gift for Boys and Girls Ages 8 Years Old and Up Who Enjoy Creative Play, 31147
$23.00 (as of March 31, 2024 00:07 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Tub Topper® Bathtub Splash Guard Play Shelf Area -Toy Tray Caddy Holder Storage -Suction Cups Attach to Bath Tub -No Mess Water Spill in Bathroom -Fun for Toddlers Kids Baby
$59.95 (as of March 30, 2024 22:27 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
![SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers #1](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Kpf4l4aqL._SL100_.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
![SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers #2](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51G8R-ibbbL._SL100_.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
![SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers #3](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SQ+bUN7JL._SL100_.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
![SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers #4](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wvABMnvkL._SL100_.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
![SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers #5](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LSKvQ1N1L._SL100_.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1)
SURCVIO [6 Surprise Golden Eggs] 100 Pack 2.3 Inch Plastic Easter Eggs, Empty Easter Eggs Fillable, Bright Colors Plastic Eggs Bulks for Easter Hunt, Easter Party Favor, Basket Stuffers Fillers
$22.99 (as of March 31, 2024 00:09 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.