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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Connor Lynch

Northern Irish astronomer captures brilliant images of Jupiter

Northern Irish astronomers have captured images of Jupiter during a "once in a lifetime astronomical event".

Jupiter is currently the closest it has been to Earth for the past 59 years and is visible in the night's sky above Northern Ireland.

It is the brightest object in the sky due to being "in opposition" where it is at the opposite point in the sky from the sun.

Read more: Giant solar system trail coming back to Northern Ireland in 2023

Star gazers across the world have been taking the opportunity to capture the largest planet in the Solar System, including those from the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society.

Jupiter pictured by Northern Irish Astronomer Simon Sloan from Fivemiletown (Simon Sloan)

Simon Sloan from Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, took three clear pictures of Jupiter over the past few weeks while it has been visible. The planet should be visible in the sky for the remainder of the year as it moves through its orbit.

Jonathan Bingham of the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society said: "This is the closest approach by Jupiter for almost 60 years and it will be visible tonight, in line with the sun behind us, and it will be the brightest object in the sky.

"As it moves along its orbit it will still be visible for the rest of the year.

"We held an event last week at Burr Point in order to observe the planet, which was a roaring success with two bus loads of people joining us.

Jupiter pictured by Northern Irish Astronomer Simon Sloan from Fivemiletown (Simon Sloan)

"If you would like to see Jupiter tonight, you can do so with a pair of binoculars and if you rest them on a wall, you will see a wee dot and the four moons beside it. These can be either side of Jupiter.

"Look East when it is dark and clear, you can't miss it."

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