Science / Space

Jupiter closest it has been to earth in 59 years

06:24 am on 28 September 2022

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Between meteorites, asteroid showers, the aurora australia and satellites, there's no shortage of bright spots in Aotearoa's night sky.

But this morning there was an extra brilliant sparkle - Jupiter.

The gas giant is the closest it has been to earth in 59 years - a measly 591 million km away.

Otago museum director and astronomer Dr Ian Griffin spoke to Corin Dann.