Stargazers are hoping for excellent views of Jupiter when the giant planet comes the closest it has been to Earth for more than 50 years.

Jupiter will be in what's known as 'opposition' which, explains NASA, happens when an astronomical object rises in the east as the sun sets in the west making it appear larger and brighter than at any other time of the year.

While Jupiter's opposition happens around every 13 months - this year's event is extra special as the planet will come closer than ever to Earth.

It was back in 1963 - almost six decades ago - that Jupiter was this close.

Because Earth and Jupiter do not orbit the sun in perfect circles it means the planets pass each other at different distances throughout the year. With Jupiter's closest approach to Earth rarely matching up with opposition - when the planet appears bigger and brighter - it is this which makes it a chance for views which stargazers are billing as potentially 'extraordinary'.

The massive planet, say space experts NASA, is approximately 600 million miles away from us as its farthest point.

At its closest this week, Jupiter will instead be approximately 367 million miles away, about the same distance it was in 1963.

It will be eyes to the skies on Monday evening, when experts expect the best view of the planet to be offered.

As with most stargazing events - finding a dark area away from light pollution will encourage the very best views - and while spotting the planet with the naked eye is possible a good pair of binoculars should transform what space enthusiasts will be able to see.

Adam Kobelski, a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, explained: "With good binoculars, the banding (at least the central band) and three or four of the Galilean satellites (moons) should be visible."

While Monday night may offer the best chance to see the giant planet, weather depending, where Jupiter should be one of the brightest objects in the sky there could be occasions after tonight where it still might also be worth having a look.

"The views should be great for a few days before and after September 26" Adam Kobelski added. "So, take advantage of good weather on either side of this date to take in the sight. Outside of the Moon, it should be one of the (if not the) brightest objects in the night sky."