How to see Jupiter's closest approach in Manchester - Met Office weather forecast for tonight's spectacle

The planet should be visible in the skies above Manchester this week
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Jupiter will be at its closest point to earth in almost 60 years this week, making for what is sure to be a fantastic sight in the night sky over Manchester.

The planet, which is fifth closest to the sun and the biggest in our solar system, should appear bigger for much of this week.

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Opportunities to see the planet should be plenty, especially if we get some clear night skies.

Here are the best tips for seeing the planet as well as a weather forecast for the week ahead.

What are NASA’s tips for seeing Jupiter?

NASA experts have given advice on the best ways to catch Jupiter at its biggest, with the best view for the celestial phenomenon being somewhere high, dark and dry.

When you have found your ideal location, look to the eastern horizon around sunset and you should be able to see the planet with the naked eye - not including the moon, Jupiter is likely to appear as the brightest object in the sky.

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Research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Adam Kobelski, said: “With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible.

“It’s important to remember that Galileo observed these moons with 17th century optics. One of the key needs will be a stable mount for whatever system you use.”

Greater Manchester Met Office weather forecast

According to the Met Office, the night sky in Greater Manchester this week looks to be clear on some days and cloudy on others.

Tonight (26 September) looks set to be cloudy with a high temperature of 10C, whereas tomorrow night (27 September) should be clear from 10pm onwards.

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The night of 28 September will be cloudy, but 29 September should give stargazers better conditions to spot Jupiter.

Below is the Met Office summary for this week including maximum temperature each day.

Today:

Some showers are likely, especially towards the coast, but also bright or sunny spells. Feeling more autumnal with brisk northwesterly winds and lower temperatures than over the weekend. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Tonight:

A few showers continuing overnight, most likely towards the coast. Drier inland with largely clear skies. Turning chilly though still blustery. Minimum temperature 4 °C.

Tuesday:

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A similar day to Monday with sunny breaks but also some showers feeding in on the brisk northwesterly wind. Perhaps feeling a little less cold as the winds gradually ease. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Staying changeable with showers possible on Wednesday and Thursday. Cold nights but turning slightly warmer by day with easing winds. Drier on Friday before wind and rain arrives later on.