Description

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Context

There will be a major astronomical event on December 7th when Earth will align itself between the Sun and Jupiter. Because of alignment, known as Jupiter's opposition-the gas giant will be visible all night long.

About Opposition

Opposition occurs when a celestial body is directly opposite the Sun as observed from Earth. In this alignment, Earth lies between the Sun and the celestial object.

At opposition, the celestial object is closest to Earth and appears brighter and larger in the night sky.

Jupiter's Opposition

What Happens?

Jupiter, Earth and the Sun align in a straight line.

Jupiter is at its closest approach to Earth approximately 590 million kilometers away.

The planet appears fully illuminated by the Sun offering optimal visibility.

Frequency

Jupiter's opposition occurs roughly every 13 months due to its orbital period (11.86 Earth years).

Visibility

Jupiter is visible all night rising at sunset and setting at sunrise.

It appears brighter and larger making it ideal for observation.

Scientific Significance

Jupiter's bands, Great Red Spot and its four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) are clearly visible.

Offers an opportunity to study Jupiter's orbit, rotation and interaction with its moons.

Optimal period for capturing detailed images of Jupiter and its features.

About Jupiter

Aspect	Details
Basic Information
Diameter	139,820 km (largest planet in the Solar System).
Mass	1.898 × 10²⁷ kg (318 times Earth's mass).
Orbital Period	11.86 Earth years.
Rotation Period	Approximately 9 hours 55 minutes (fastest rotation among planets).
Distance from the Sun	778 million km (5.2 AU).
Physical Characteristics
Composition	Mainly hydrogen (90%) and helium (10%).
Atmosphere	Includes ammonia, methane, water vapor and trace gases.
Appearance	Features alternating dark belts and light zones; iconic Great Red Spot (a massive storm).
Magnetic Field	Strongest in the Solar System; approximately 14 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field.
Rings	Faint and made up of dust particles from its moons.
Moons
Total Number	95 confirmed (as of 2024).
Major Moons	Io, Europa, Ganymede (largest moon in the Solar System), Callisto.
Significance of Moons	Europa has potential for extraterrestrial life due to its subsurface ocean; Io is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System.
Orbital and Rotational Features
Orbit Shape	Slightly elliptical.
Axial Tilt	3.13° (minimal seasons).
Orbital Speed	13.07 km/s.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Origin of Name	Named after the king of Roman gods.
Historical Importance	Observed since ancient times; Galileo's discovery of its moons in 1610 revolutionized astronomy.
Notable Space Missions
Galileo	Studied Jupiter and its moons (1995-2003).
Juno	Currently orbiting Jupiter, studying its atmosphere, magnetic field and composition.
Future Missions	ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) and NASA's Europa Clipper.
Interesting Facts
Largest Storm	Great Red Spot which is ongoing for at least 350 years.
Radiation	Intense radiation belt makes it challenging for spacecraft exploration.
Gravitational Influence	Affects the orbits of nearby planets and bodies in the asteroid belt.

Sources:

NDTV

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to Jupiter's opposition, consider the following statements:

During opposition, Jupiter is on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth resulting in the planet being fully illuminated.
Jupiter’s opposition occurs approximately every 13 months due to the relative motion of Earth and Jupiter around the Sun.
During opposition, Jupiter is at its closest point to the Sun.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. At opposition, Earth lies directly between Jupiter and the Sun, making Jupiter fully illuminated and visible throughout the night.

Statement 2 is correct. Opposition occurs approximately every 13 months as Earth, moving faster in its orbit, catches up with and overtakes Jupiter.

Statement 3 is incorrect. During opposition, Jupiter is closest to Earth, not the Sun. Its distance to the Sun remains nearly constant due to its elliptical but stable orbit.