Noticed a ‘bright star’ in the sky recently? It’s Jupiter at its closest approach to Earth in 59 years. – Mothership.SG

You might need observed a brilliant “star” within the sky over the previous week.

That is Jupiter.

Closest to the Earth in virtually 60 years

In keeping with NASA, the biggest planet in our photo voltaic system Jupiter got here the closest it has ever performed to Earth in 59 years on Sep. 26, 2022.

The gasoline large comes near Earth as soon as each 13 months, the place the Earth is in between Jupiter and the Solar this time.

This time, the gap between the 2 planets was exceptionally quick, and the final time it was this shut was in 1963.

“This occurs as a result of Earth and Jupiter don’t orbit the Solar in good circles – that means the planets will cross one another at completely different distances all year long. Jupiter’s closest strategy to Earth not often coincides with opposition, which suggests this yr’s views might be extraordinary,” NASA defined.

A analysis astrophysicist at NASA stated that Jupiter needs to be one of many (if not the) brightest objects within the evening sky, aside from the moon, within the few days earlier than and after Sep. 26.

A resident in Singapore, Robin Lim, managed to catch a glimpse of the enormous planet at 11pm on Sep. 27.

In keeping with the stargazing neighborhood, you need to nonetheless have the ability to see Jupiter this weekend.

For those who shouldn’t have a telescope, you’ll be able to discover the sky with a stargazing cellular app to be taught extra about our “neighbours”.

High picture through Robin Lim