SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Stargazers and planet enthusiasts have an exciting weekend ahead of them – Jupiter is the closest it's been to earth since 1963.
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Those in the Bay Area who want to get a better look at the largest planet in our solar system may want to head to Foothill College in Los Altos Hills Saturday night.
We on earth are passing Jupiter as Jupiter is making its closest approach to the sun in decades.
"Which means we'll be able to see just those few extra details when we’re looking at it through a telescope," said Geoffrey Matthews, an instructor of astronomy at Foothill College.
It's a rare event. Jupiter is large and bright in the sky at the moment.
"We'll also be seeing its moons going in their orbits around it – its four largest moons – which should be spectacular to see," he said.
This is especially significant because of the role the discovery of Jupiter's moons had in the story of astronomy and the development of modern science.
Saturday is the yearly International Observe the Moon Night, which is an event organized by NASA that broadcasts a program about lunar science with observers.
This year additional telescopes will also be aimed at Jupiter, and the public is invited to check it out from 7 to 10 p,m. Saturday at the Foothill Observatory.
"Come to see Jupiter, come to see the moon," said Matthews. "And stay to enjoy the rest of the sky."
Right now, the forecast shows it will be a clear night.
Jupiter won't be this close again until 2129, so people should take the chance Saturday.
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