{"id":49722,"date":"2023-10-02T08:58:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T08:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/3abd63db-ddb6-44e7-b7df-e404e5bcf52e"},"modified":"2023-10-02T09:32:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T09:32:31","slug":"catch-jupiter-looking-bright-in-october-as-the-planet-approaches-opposition","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/catch-jupiter-looking-bright-in-october-as-the-planet-approaches-opposition\/","title":{"rendered":"Catch Jupiter looking bright in October as the planet approaches opposition"},"content":{"rendered":"

As it approaches opposition, now’s a great time to observe and image the gas giant. <\/p>

By Pete Lawrence\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 02 October 2023 at 08:58 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Jupiter reaches opposition<\/a> on 3 November 2023, and throughout October is well-placed for observing. <\/p>

From the UK, it\u2019s able to reach its highest position, around 51\u00b0 up when due south, under truly dark skies. <\/p>

It\u2019s also very bright, shining at mag. \u20132.8. Consequently, it\u2019s a great time to observe and image this amazing world.<\/p>

In this guide we’ll reveal what you’ll see as you observe Jupiter<\/a> during October, what you can expect as it nears opposition, and what the other planets are doing this month.<\/p>

Chart showing the position of Jupiter in the night sky in October 2023. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Jupiter through a telescope<\/strong><\/h2>

Through a small telescope, Jupiter\u2019s disc is obvious and appears squashed.<\/p>

Being a gas planet and rotating rapidly in under 10 hours, Jupiter\u2019s equatorial regions bulge and give the planet its oblate appearance.\u00a0<\/p>

Give your eyes time to adjust to the view, and you’ll be able to see much more.<\/p>

The first detail you\u2019ll see on Jupiter’s disc will be the two dark belts that run either side of and parallel to the equator.<\/p>

These are the north equatorial and south equatorial belts (NEB and SEB).<\/p>

\"Jupiter
Jupiter imaged in August 2022, showing its famous Great Red Spot. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Other belts and zones are also visible, becoming easier with greater aperture and steady skies.\u00a0<\/p>

Jupiter\u2019s atmosphere can appear complex and it\u2019s not always that easy to see the demarcation between the smaller belts and zones.<\/p>

The famous Great Red Spot<\/a> (GRS) is embedded within the SEB in a scalloped region known as the Great Red Spot Hollow.<\/p>

Its visibility depends on when you observe the planet.<\/p>

With its rapid rotation period, the GRS may be visible or may be around the other side of the planet. <\/p>

Freeware applications such as WinJupos can tell you when it will be visible.\u00a0<\/p>

In addition to the rich, detailed atmosphere, Jupiter\u2019s four largest moons put on a regular show as they appear to interact with the planet.<\/p>