Jupiter - excellent viewing as it's at opposition

[Howardh]

Many have mistaken Jupiter for Venus right now, which is understandable seeing how bright it is. Jupiter is at opposition, meaning the sun, then Earth, then Jupiter are alligned, so it's as close to Earth as it can be in it's orbit.

Those with good binoculars might be able to see up to four of its moons. To me it's not quite as spectacular as 2020 when Saturn and Jupiter were in conjunction but hey, a show's a show!!

A diagram showing what "opposition" means - NOT to scale!!

https://content.assets.pressassociation.io/2021/08/13142005/de8a143a-dc2f-4c92-a2fd-a15759c22cb5.jpg

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Many have mistaken Jupiter for Venus right now, which is understandable seeing how bright it is. Jupiter is at opposition, meaning the sun, then Earth, then Jupiter are alligned, so it's as close to Earth as it can be in it's orbit.

Those with good binoculars might be able to see up to four of its moons. To me it's not quite as spectacular as 2020 when Saturn and Jupiter were in conjunction but hey, a show's a show!!

A diagram showing what "opposition" means - NOT to scale!!

https://content.assets.pressassociation.io/2021/08/13142005/de8a143a-dc2f-4c92-a2fd-a15759c22cb5.jpg

While I have little interest in astronomy I was aware of the spectacular conjunction which occurred in late June (5 planets, in theory). Jupiter was the most readily observable and I failed to see Mercury but seeing Mars' red glow with the naked eye was quite special.

 

[brad465]

This website has a good interactive sky map and graphs showing when planets are visible, you need to search for a specific location, so this link has my town on it, but changing it to one's local town (can be done for almost anywhere in the world) will be possible:

Which Planets Can You See Tonight?

Choose tonight or another date and see which planets are shining in the sky above you or anywhere else.

www.timeanddate.com

 

[Cloud Strife]

While I have little interest in astronomy I was aware of the spectacular conjunction which occurred in late June (5 planets, in theory). Jupiter was the most readily observable and I failed to see Mercury but seeing Mars' red glow with the naked eye was quite special.

Yes, I saw the red glow of Mars a few months ago. I couldn't believe my eyes!

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Yes, I saw the red glow of Mars a few months ago. I couldn't believe my eyes!

Made use of the site linked to by @brad465 and was immediately able to find Mars again. Even got an elderly relative to take a look and they were equally impressed.

 

[Harvester]

Just looked at brilliant Jupiter through binoculars. I could pick out three of its moons despite the glare surrounding the disk. It will be at opposition on Monday (26th).