Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Skywatchers are in for a captivating celestial spectacle as a bright object accompanying the Moon illuminates the night sky during the evening.
The brightest object in the night sky, apart from the Moon, is the gas giant planet Jupiter. Its luminous presence is currently visible starting at 5:49 pm, offering a remarkable opportunity for those with an interest in stargazing.
According to a report by India Today, Jupiter is currently in a position where it lies directly opposite to the Sun from our perspective. This arrangement allows Jupiter to grace our night sky for most of the evening, creating an ideal window for astronomical observation.
As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter's colossal proportions are a key factor in its striking brightness. With a mass approximately 318 times that of Earth and a volume roughly 1320 times greater, Jupiter stands out as a celestial giant.
Jupiter is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium and boasts an astounding rotational speed, making it the fastest spinner among all the planets. It completes a full rotation on its axis in roughly ten hours, contributing to its luminous presence.
Jupiter aligns in this position about every 399 days, equivalent to approximately 13 months. This year, on November 3, 2023, it will enter the most significant phase where it will shine the brightest.
During this phase, Jupiter will approach its nearest point to Earth, intensifying its visibility and luminosity in our night sky.
Even without a telescope, stargazers will be able to observe Jupiter with the naked eye. However, individuals equipped with a decent pair of binoculars will be treated to a more detailed view. These instruments could reveal Jupiter's four largest moons, famously discovered by Galileo in 1610.
Despite its relative proximity during this phase, Jupiter remains at a vast distance from Earth. Its tropical year, which represents the time it takes to complete an orbit around the Sun, spans about 4331 Earth days, or just under 12 Earth years.
As November 3 approaches, both amateur and seasoned stargazers are eagerly anticipating this unique celestial event. Not only will they capture striking images of Jupiter, but they will also engage in scientific observations of the night sky, adding to our understanding of the cosmos.