Jupiter will be at its closest distance to earth since 1963
Jupiter is set to be the most visible it has been since 1963 as its distance from Earth almost halves tonight.
The planet can be seen from gardens across the world as it passes Earth from 367 million miles away, a 233 million mile difference to its usual 600 million mile journey. Its visibility is aided by the sun, which will be opposite Jupiter and make it seem brighter.
While Jupiter will be visible in gardens across West Sussex, NASA astrophysicist Adam Kobelski suggests heading to a place with "high elevation in a dark and dry area". The sun will set at 18:53 in Chichester and 18:52 in Bognor and Littlehampton, providing the perfect atmosphere for viewing the planet.
Local height hotspots for eager viewers include the South Downs and Beacon Hill. To spot the planet, NASA advises that "outside of the Moon, it should be one of the (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky."
Kobelski also adds that "taking advantage of good weather" on the 26th of September and for the rest of the week is key. Chichester, Bognor and Littlehampton weather is set to be slightly cloudy this evening, but its due to be dry - meaning its worth taking a peek at the planet that will not be this visible again until 2139.
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