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Credit & Copyright: Alessandro
Bianconi
Explanation:
On December 3 (UT), Jupiter,
the
solar system's largest planet, will be at opposition,
opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky,
shining brightly and rising as the Sun sets.
That
configuration results in Jupiter's almost annual
closest approach to planet Earth.
So, near opposition the gas giant offers earthbound telescopes
stunning views of its stormy, banded atmosphere and large
Galilean moons.
For example, this sharp series was recorded on the night of November
16/17 from the island of Sardinia near Dolianova, Italy.
North is up in the images that show off Jupiter's
famous Great Red Spot, and planet girdling
dark belts and light zones.
Also seen in transit is Jupiter's
volcanic moon Io, its
round, dark shadow tracking across the
Jovian cloud tops
as the sequence progresses left to right.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Jupiter - Io
Publications with words: Jupiter - Io
See also:
- APOD: 2025 April 2 Á Jupiter and Ring in Infrared from Webb
- APOD: 2025 March 9 Á Cyclones at Jupiters North Pole
- APOD: 2025 February 16 Á Perijove 11: Passing Jupiter
- Stereo Jupiter near Opposition
- APOD: 2024 November 3 Á Jupiter Abyss
- APOD: 2024 May 19 Á Jupiter Diving
- APOD: 2024 April 21 Á Perijove 16: Passing Jupiter