Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                2020 July 29

                            The Giants of Summer
                Image Credit & Copyright: Jean-Luc Dauvergne

   Explanation: As Comet NEOWISE sweeps through northern summer skies,
   Jupiter and Saturn are shining brightly, near opposition. With Jupiter
   opposite the Sun on July 14 and Saturn on July 21, the giant planets
   are still near their closest to planet Earth in 2020. Sharing the
   constellation Sagittarius they are up all night, and offer their best
   and brightest views at the telescope. Both captured on July 22 from a
   balcony in Paris these two sharp telescopic images don't disappoint,
   showing off what the giant planets are famous for, Saturn's bright
   rings and Jupiter's Great Red Spot. These giants of the Solar System
   are worth following during 2020. On December 21, skygazers can watch
   the once-in-20-year great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

       Comet NEOWISE images from planet Earth: July 28, 27, 26, 25, 24
                   Tomorrow's picture: the pixels in space
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC
                             & Michigan Tech. U.


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