Jupiter

Latest and Greatest

Greatest courtesy of Brian Woosnam

Jupiter is the good old Mr Reliable of planets for amateur viewers. Due to its large actual size, it always has something to show, even in small telescopes. Whilst it is best near opposition and when well clear of the horizon, it is well worth seeing at any time. Its four main moons - Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa can be followed in their orbits around the giant planet and in good quality telescopes can be seen to cross the planet's face (called a transit).

Name Jupiter

Maximum Magnitude -2.7

Minimum Magnitude -1.8

Solar "year" - time to circle the sun 11 years 9 months

Sydonic period - time to return to the same place in the sky relative to the sun 399 days

Maximum Elongation from the Sun 180 degrees

Maximum Apparent Size 46 arcseconds

Minimum Apparent Size 32 arcseconds

Distance from Sun 483 million miles

Minimum Distance from Earth 390 million miles

Maximum Distance from Earth 576 million miles

Best view in 50mm binoculars Disc only, no detail, moons

Best view in 60mm refractor Two main equatorial belts, sometimes three and its moons

Best view in 127mm Maksutov Three equatorial belts plus smaller belts and shading in between. Great Red Spot. Transits of the moons and their shadows across the surface.

More Information about Jupiter

Solar Views Jupiter
Nine Planets Jupiter
Galileo Mission
Jupiter Events

Home

web hosting • domain names
web design • online games

Name	Jupiter
Maximum Magnitude	-2.7
Minimum Magnitude	-1.8
Solar "year" - time to circle the sun	11 years 9 months
Sydonic period - time to return to the same place in the sky relative to the sun	399 days
Maximum Elongation from the Sun	180 degrees
Maximum Apparent Size	46 arcseconds
Minimum Apparent Size	32 arcseconds
Distance from Sun	483 million miles
Minimum Distance from Earth	390 million miles
Maximum Distance from Earth	576 million miles
Best view in 50mm binoculars	Disc only, no detail, moons
Best view in 60mm refractor	Two main equatorial belts, sometimes three and its moons
Best view in 127mm Maksutov	Three equatorial belts plus smaller belts and shading in between. Great Red Spot. Transits of the moons and their shadows across the surface.