Space lovers will need to find their binoculars on Monday as we will have a closer view of the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter.

David Greg from the Tauranga Astronomical Society says on June 10, Jupiter and Earth will be at their closest.

'Viewing will be their best, but only marginally better than at present.

'This happens every year when the Earth catches up with Jupiter in our orbit around the sun.”

'You've got Jupiter orbiting the sun, you've got the Earth orbiting the sun, and every year we catch up with Jupiter's position.

'We basically line up between the sun, the Earth and Jupiter, which brings us to our closest point in the year.”

Dave says an astronomy meeting is taking place at the observatory on Tuesday, June 11, and members of the public are welcome to see Jupiter through their telescopes.

'For adult non-members entry is $5 and children are free.”

The meeting begins at 7.30pm. For more information, visit the Tauranga Astronomical Society website here.