TOMORROW NIGHT (Monday, September 26), Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will make its closest approach to earth since 1963. It will be 367 million miles away. At its farthest point, it’s 600 million miles from earth. That’s a big difference.

It will also be “in opposition,” which means it will be directly aligned with earth.

With its 74 moons (three of which might be visible to those with good lenses), the planet will be as bright as it can possibly be to the human eye. There will be no moon interference. Even in urban environments, with thick light pollution, Jupiter will be visible and dominate the sky. Looking at this wondrous spectacle, you might imagine the dizzying light of the Star of Bethlehem, understand why two great composers — Gustave Holst and Mozart — wrote stunning tributes to the planet and have a better idea of why Jupiter was the Zeus of Rome.

Since the planet will be “in opposition,” it will rise at the same time as the sun sets. When darkness intensifies at about nine o’clock, it will be unmistakable, the brightest object in the sky, twice as bright as the nearest star. Jupiter does not “twinkle” like a star, but its cream-colored light draws those who see it heavenward — and perhaps reminds them of how very much they are loved from above.

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