Highlights
- Jupiter shines as the brightest “star” in the eastern night sky near opposition.
- Opposition, on December 7, aligns Earth, Jupiter, and the Sun.
- The planet appears larger and fully illuminated during opposition.
- Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and four largest moons are visible with binoculars.
- Mars and Venus will join Jupiter’s bright display early in 2025.
A brilliant “star” dominates the eastern night sky just hours after sunset, mesmerizing sky-watchers worldwide.
But this isn’t a star; it’s the gas giant Jupiter, glowing with incredible brightness as it approaches a unique astronomical event called opposition.
What is Jupiter’s Opposition?
Jupiter will reach “opposition” on December 7, 2024. In this alignment, Earth’s orbit places it directly between Jupiter and the Sun, letting us see Jupiter’s fully illuminated side.
Opposition also brings Jupiter closer to Earth than at any other time, making it appear larger and more luminous. Currently shining at a magnitude of -2.8, this event makes Jupiter the brightest “star” in the eastern sky every night.
A “Full” Jupiter Rises Earlier Each Evening
Opposition brightens Jupiter and brings it up in the sky earlier each evening. By December, it will rise right at sunset and set with the sunrise, allowing viewers to observe it all night long.
The giant planet shines high in the sky just after midnight, making this period ideal for stargazing.
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Its Moons
With just a small telescope or binoculars, viewers can glimpse Jupiter’s pinkish cloud bands, and even its iconic Great Red Spot. You might also spot its four largest moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—first observed by Galileo.
They orbit in a straight line around Jupiter, offering a fantastic sight as they align with the ecliptic, the Sun’s path across the sky.
The “Wandering Star” and Planetary Highlights to Come
Ancient astronomers referred to planets as “wandering stars” because, unlike stars, planets shift across the sky from night to night.
Jupiter follows this path, moving through the constellation Taurus, near the Pleiades star cluster and the red giant Aldebaran.
The planetary show doesn’t end with Jupiter. Mars will join the night sky’s display in January 2025, while Venus reaches peak brightness in February, giving stargazers a few exciting months of bright planets on the ecliptic.
Wishing You Clear Skies and Wide Eyes!
If you want to witness Jupiter at its brightest and best, the next few weeks offer the perfect opportunity. Set up a small telescope or binoculars, and enjoy this dazzling celestial show.
