Madrid Deep Space Communications ComplexJupiter's opposition occurs every 13 months, making the planet appear larger and brighter than at any other time of the year.But that's not all, Jupiter will also be at its closest position to Earth in the last 59 years.This happens because the Earth and Jupiter do not go around the Sun in perfect circles, which means that the planets stay at different distances throughout the year.The closest position of Jupiter and Earth rarely coincides with the opposition, so the observation of the planet this year will be extraordinary.At its closest approach, Jupiter will be about 590 million kilometers from Earth, about the same distance it was in 1963. Jupiter is about 965 million kilometers from Earth at its furthest point."With good binoculars, the bands (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible," said Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. ).“It is important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th-century optics.One of the key needs will be a stable mount for whatever system is used.”Kobelski recommends a larger telescope to see the Great Red Spot and Jupiter's bands in more detail;a 4-inch or larger telescope and some filters in the green to blue range would improve the visibility of these features.According to Kobelski, an ideal observing site would be a high rise in a dark, dry area."Views should be great for a few days before and after September 26," Kobelski said.“Therefore, take advantage of the good weather around this date to enjoy the view.Outside of the Moon, it should be one of (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky."Jupiter has 53 named moons, but scientists believe 79 moons have been detected in total.The four largest moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are called the Galilean satellites.They are named after the person who observed them in 1610, Galileo Galilei.With binoculars or a telescope, the Galilean moons should appear as bright spots on either side of Jupiter during opposition.NASA's Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting Jupiter for six years, is exploring the planet and its moons.Juno began its journey in 2011 and reached Jupiter five years later.Since 2016, the spacecraft has provided incredible images and data about Jupiter's dynamic atmosphere, interior structures, internal magnetic field, and magnetosphere.Scientists believe that the study of Jupiter may lead to groundbreaking discoveries about the formation of the solar system.Juno's mission has recently been extended to 2025 or the end of the spacecraft's lifespan.More information about Juno.The next big project for the exploration of Jupiter is the Europa Clipper mission.This spacecraft will explore Jupiter's iconic moon Europa, which is known for its icy shell and the vast ocean that lies beneath its surface.NASA scientists aim to find out if Europa has conditions capable of supporting life.The Europa Clipper is currently scheduled to launch no later than October 2024.More information about what is happening in the sky this September, in the following video: “What's Up” from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory:Original news (in English)