How to See the Colors of Jupiter Through a Telescope

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system.

If you have ever wondered about the wonders of the solar system, using a telescope can help you check out the sky and beyond. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, can be seen to the right of the sun when looking through a telescope.

Things You'll Need

• Sky map
• 10-inch telescope

Instructions

1. Check for the location of Jupiter. Check the Sky Maps -- Astronomy & Space Articles website (see Resources) and click on the most recent "Sky Calendar." From here, you can search for Jupiter's location. For example, in March 2011, Jupiter was located 23 degrees from the sun in the evening sky, at a magnitude of -2.1; this means that Jupiter was highly visible (see References 1 and 2).

2. Align your 10-inch telescope into the sky using the coordinates from the Sky Map. According to the Universe Today website (universetoday.com), the color of Jupiter is visible only with a 10-inch or longer telescope. Going back to the first example, your telescope should align with the evening sky and then go 23 degrees from the sun to see Jupiter (see References 3 and 4).

3. Focus your lens by turning the knob at the end of the telescope or at the front of the telescope. From here, you should be able to see Jupiter, which is reddish-brown, from the eye point at the top of the telescope. Another indication of Jupiter is that whitish-red dust clouds surround it (see Reference 3).

Tips & Warnings

• During some months Jupiter is not visible with a telescope.

References

• Sky Maps: March 2011
• Astronomics: Limiting Magnitude
• Naked Eye Planets: Jupiter
• Universe Today: Jupiter In A Telescope

Resources

• Sky Maps: Astronomy and Space Articles