Jupiter subtends an angle of 50 arcsec at opposition. What is the angular size of Jupiter's magnetosphere viewed from Earth at opposition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jupiter's magnetosphere is the largest object in the solar system, extending up to 7 million kilometers on the side facing the Sun, and almost reaches Saturn's orbit on the other side. When viewed from Earth, especially at opposition when Earth is closest to Jupiter, the magnetosphere can subtend an angle of up to 8 degrees, making it much larger in apparent size than the planet itself.

Jupiter Subtends an Angle of 50 Arcsec at Opposition