Galileo Galilei’s 1610 discovery of Jupiter’s moons – the first moons found beyond Earth – was a discovery that transformed how we viewed the universe. Jupiter is a remarkable planet, with US space agency NASA sending its Juno orbiter to this gas giant world to lean more about this enormous world. And amateur astronomers are in for a treat this month, when the fifth planet from the Sun will make a rare appearance in the heavens – when it comes so close even its Jupiter’s moons will be easily visible.

One of the month’s main astronomical events is about to illuminate the night sky, when the solar system’s largest planet will appear.

The solar system's largest planet is a brilliant jewel to the naked eye NASA

Jupiter will become visible on both Monday, June 10 and Saturday, June 15. Jupiter will be at its biggest and brightest on Monday, when it will be positioned directly opposite to the sun from our Earth point of view. And Jupiter will be well-illuminated from sunset to sunrise. READ MORE: Fungi that draws GOLD from its surroundings discovered

Jupiter: The solar system’s largest planet will appear in our skies this month

Jupiter: NASA has sent its Juno orbiter to gas giant

Then only a few days later, Jupiter, the moon, and red star Antares will make-up a stellar trio in the night sky. Jupiter will be closest to our planet in its orbital cycle, approximately 398 million miles away from Earth. Compared to last year’s opposition, it will be 11 million miles closer, making it significantly more illuminated on the night of June 10. Stargazers keen on witnessing Jupiter arrive in the night sky should start preparations by sourcing the right stargazing equipment. READ MORE: NASA discovers remnants of ancient polar ice cap on Mars

Because of this relative proximity, Jupiter’s atmospheric details and even it moons will be visible with a small telescope or even a pair of binoculars. And Jupiter’s fiery Great Red Spot can be seen with a larger backyard telescope, weather permitting. This red spot is in fact a giant storm bigger than Earth that has raged for hundreds of years. Jupiter will five days later be part of another awe-inspiring spectacle in the night sky. Shortly after sunset on June 15, you can look towards the southeast side of the sky for the moon, which will be in a triangular formation with Jupiter and Antares. READ MORE: Exploding star picture PROVES 2,000 year-old theory

Jupiter: US space agency NASA has sent its Juno orbiter to this gas giant

Jupiter: The gas giant's red spot is in fact a giant storm bigger than Earth