Jupiter , Visible to the Naked Eye While Making Closest Pass, in Almost 60 Years. On September 26, Jupiter will make its closest approach to Earth in 59 years. 'The Independent' reports that our Solar System's largest planet will appear particularly visible in the evening sky. Jupiter will appear in opposition meaning that it will rise in the eastern sky as the sun sets in the west. Jupiter will appear in opposition meaning that it will rise in the eastern sky as the sun sets in the west. Outside of the Moon, it should be one of the (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky, Adam Kobelski, Nasa Marshall Space Flight Center research astrophysicist, via 'The Independent'. Due to their elliptical orbits, the Earth and Jupiter pass each other at varying distances over time. On September 26, Jupiter will pass just 367 million miles from Earth. At its furthest point, Earth and Jupiter pass at over 600 million miles. According to NASA, the last time Jupiter was this close to Earth was in 1963. 'The Independent' reports that the rate glimpse of Jupiter should be visible to the naked eye for several days following the planet's passing. With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible. It’s important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th century optics, Adam Kobelski, Nasa Marshall Space Flight Center research astrophysicist, via 'The Independent'. With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible. It’s important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th century optics, Adam Kobelski, Nasa Marshall Space Flight Center research astrophysicist, via 'The Independent'
