WAM Abu Dhabi, Aug 13th, 2009 (WAM): All those who have a fascination for the sky, its stars and planets will have a rare opportunity on14th August Friday to watch Jupiter, the largest planet of our solar system, rise and set opposite the sun.
The Emirates Mobile Observatory (EMO) will be stationed tomorrow at the Khalidia Public Garden in Abu Dhabi to help people see Jupiter form a straight line with the earth positioning itself between the two at night.
Chairman of the EMO project Nizar Sallam said that the king planet will orbit at opposition with the sun forming an imaginary 180 degrees line.
As the Earth comes closer to it, Jupiter can be seen shining brightly in the sky even with the naked eye, said Sallam.
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. Its diameter is more than 11 times that of Earth, and about one-tenth that of the sun. It would take more than 1,000 Earths to fill up the volume of the giant planet.
EMO is organising the stargazing event as part of the UAE’s celebrations to mark the International Year of Astronomy.
EMO is dedicated to hosting public observations of astronomical wonders. EMO holds stargazes regularly for the public, educational sectors, government sectors and groups.
Sallam will be also giving special lecture on the event to create awareness among the public on the marvel of the divine creation.
