Jupiter Reaches Opposition On July 14 & It'll Be Closest To Earth This Year. Here Are The Details

After the lunar eclipse this month another major astronomical occurance is around the corner for you to marvel at.

On July 14, 2020, Jupiter will appear right opposite the Sun as seen from the Earth. This is called opposition. It will be the closest to Earth, hence, the brightest. According to NASA, it will effectively be a ¡®full Jupiter,¡¯ rising around sunset and setting around sunrise.

Representational Image/ESO/Y. Beletsky

Earth¡¯s motion places it between Jupiter and Sun about once each year. The largest planet in our solar system is now rising in the east as the sun is setting below the western horizon. This event is called an opposition of Jupiter.

Jupiter reaches opposition on July 14, at 8:00 UTC and 13.30 pm IST. In the United States, that¡¯s 4 am. However, the planet is visible at the horizon in India in early hours of the morning.

Also Read: How Astronomers Got 'Lucky' & Captured Some Of The Sharpest Images Of Jupiter, Ever!

Representational Image/Nikunj Rawal

Opposition of a planet marks the middle of the best time of year to see a planet. That¡¯s because it¡¯s when the planet is closest for the year. Jupiter climbs the highest in the sky at midnight, it sets in the west around sunrise and is in the east around sunset.

Being the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter is always bright. This time, Jupiter will shine close to planet Saturn in front of the constellation Sagittarius, according to Earth Sky.

Also Read: Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Moon To Line Up On 3 Nights

Representational Image/NASA

To see Jupiter when it's at its closest to Earth, get up before sunrise and look west where there is a clear view of the horizon. You¡¯ll find yourself gazing at the biggest planet of our solar system.