JUPITER CLOSE TO EARTH: Today, Dec. 3rd, Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth until 2021.

JUPITER CLOSE TO EARTH: Today, Dec. 3rd, Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth until 2021. The giant planet rises at sunset--it looks like a very bright star--and soars overhead at midnight. If you have a backyard telescope take a look! [sky map]

Everyone knows about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a giant anti-cyclone twice the size of Earth, but what about the great storm's two companions? On the eve of closest approach, Glenn Jolly of Gilbert, Arizona, looked through his 14-inch telescope and saw three red swirls:


[link to www.spaceweather.com]