Expert: Jesse Martinez - 5/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: If Jupiter passes behind the Sun, traveling across 2+ degrees Longitude and it takes 12 days to travel one degree, 25 to 30 days total,why can we see Jupiter every 10 to 12 days? Does this imply the planets are traveling in front of the Sun as www.aptheory.info states?

ANSWER: Jupiter never comes between the Earth and the sun if this is what you are implying. As I have mentioned before, if you actually look up into the sky and observe Jupiter, you can see it for months on end. I conducted a project where I "re-discovered" the moons of Jupiter over a three month period. During that time I was able to confirm the existence and orbital properties of the four large Jovian moons. Your description of the motion of Jupiter is based on what? Could it be years of observation, visually and telescopically? I think not. Go out and look at the sky and take notes. I cannot comprehend where your aptheory comes from, but it is total bunk. Remove your site from the web as a favor to all real scientists.

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QUESTION: The composition of the question was misunderstood. Jupiter spans a 2+ degree arc placing it out of Earth's site for 24 days once every Earth year (Jupiter takes 12 days per 1 degree of travel).Why can we see Jupiter from Earth every few days without interuption? If Jupiter travels behind the Sun,should'nt it be invisable for (at least)24 days in a row? Thank you J. M. and Astronomy web site. Respectfuly Angelo

Answer
I see how you have arrived at this erroneous conclusion of your "AP theory". The planets do not all orbit the sun on the same orbital plane. This means that Jupiter does not necessarily do the things you believe. Let revise this by say it does not always pass behind the. I finally understand about the visibility factor because even a close approach could render Jupiter unsee-able for some period of time. You have to remember that the Earth is also moving. This time period is also variable, but I guess I still do not get your theory. I apologize for any rudeness I may have directed at you. But as previously mentioned, I do not understand. Sorry.