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

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 Birmingham night sky.

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

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.

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.”

West Midlands weather forecast

According to the Met Office, the night sky in the West Midlands 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, and tomorrow night (27 September) will also be cloudy and not ideal for stargazing.

Wednesday (28 September) should be clear over Birmingham and after a cloudy night on 29 September, Friday 30 will be clear after around 10pm.

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

Today:

Sunny spells for most but also some showers feeding in on brisk northwesterly winds. Feeling more autumnal, especially in the wind, lower temperatures than over the weekend. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Tonight:

A few showers continuing overnight, most likely towards the northwest. Drier elsewhere with largely clear skies. Turning chilly though still blustery. Minimum temperature 7 °C.

Tuesday:

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.