Jupiter to make closest approach to Earth

Jupiter, the largest after the Sun in the solar system, will be at its biggest and brightest on December 3 night much to the delight of sky-gazers.

The planet, which has a system of rings, is at its closest approach and thus would appear more big and bright than usual.
The planet can be seen with naked eyes an hour after the sunset in the eastern direction on December 3. It will be visible all through the night and at midnight one can spot it in the southern direction at a higher elevation.

The last opposition of the planet occurred on October, 29, 2011 and the next will be January 6, 2014.

The minimum distance of Jupiter from Earth is approximately 588 million kms while its maximum distance is about 967 million kms.

On December 3, the ring planet will be at 608 million kms, which is very close to its minimum distance from Earth.