The space agency originally said Jupiter would be making its closest approach to Earth in 70 years, but corrected its statement after discovering the error, a NASA spokesperson said.
Neither Earth nor Jupiter orbits the sun in a perfect circle, which is what makes each opposition a slightly different distance, said Ray, who is also NASA’s investigation scientist for the Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-surface, or REASON.
How to watch
Jupiter will appear brighter and bigger in the sky, making the event a great opportunity to catch a glimpse, NASA said.
The gaseous planet will rise around sunset and look pearly white to the naked eye, said Patrick Hartigan, professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.
With a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you will be able to see the planet’s bands, according to NASA.
Stargazers may also be able to see three or four of Jupiter’s moons, including Europa, Ray said.
“Since I am working on a spacecraft that we are going to send to the Jupiter system to explore Europa,” she said, “I’m always excited to see Jupiter and even Europa with my own eyes.”
Saturn and Mars will also be visible, so try and spot those planets while viewing Jupiter’s opposition, Hartigan said.
Remaining events in 2022
- South Taurids: November 5
- North Taurids: November 12
The total lunar eclipse on November 8 can be seen in Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South America and North America between 3:02 and 8:56 a.m. ET. But for people in Eastern North America, the moon will be setting during that time.
Wear proper eclipse glasses to view solar eclipses safely as the sun’s light can damage the eyes.