Jupiter to Reach Opposition, Closest Approach to Earth in 59 Years

blogs.nasa.gov

13 points·rntn··7 comments

Does anybody have any recommendations for a low budget telescope setup? Happy to buy used. I'm just curious if there is somebody here that can talk about this in some detail!

I'm interested in this info, too. In case nobody wants to share their advice, the article offers a simpler approach if needed:

“With good binoculars, the banding (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’s 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 you use.”

You won't be able to see the banding even with something like a reasonable 20 x 80 priced at 130-140 EUR/USD like this: https://www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Binoculars/BRESSER-Spezi...

You will be able identify Jupiter moons as small dots. And of course a tripod is essential.

you'll see atmospheric banding in a 6 inch reflecting telescope if the mirror is decent, the optical train is collimated, and the atmosphere is relatively calm.

look for a dobsonian mounted tube, the telescopes subreddit has some good information for beginners

try 36050 telescope or f70060.

It’s a nice coincidence that this event corresponds to the new moon, so great viewing conditions.

Not at all a coincidence that the new moon corresponds to the Black Forest Star Party, if you happen to be in Central Pennsylvania this weekend.

https://bfsp.org/

Dang, it will be a long wait before our commute to Jupiter becomes shorter.

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