Jupiter vs. the Sun: A Striking Comparison of Apparent Size

Have you ever wondered how Jupiter and our Sun would stack up against each other if you could see them in the sky at the same time? Well, one astrophotographer has brought this intriguing comparison to life!

Using an 8-inch reflector telescope, an AM5 mount, and a ZWO ASI533 camera, the photographer managed to capture an image of Jupiter during broad daylight. Despite being washed out by the sun's glare and likely slightly out of focus, the very fact that Jupiter could be spotted and imaged in such conditions is remarkable.

Following this impressive feat, the photographer switched to a solar filter to capture the Sun at the same resolution. The results are truly eye-opening. Contrary to what one might expect, the Sun did not appear significantly larger than Jupiter in these images. This direct visual comparison powerfully illustrates the difference in their apparent sizes as seen from Earth, offering a unique perspective on our solar system's celestial bodies.

This post highlights the capabilities of modern astrophotography equipment and provides a compelling visual demonstration of astronomical principles.