Jupiter reaches opposition on Saturday night, placing Earth between the Sun and the gas giant and making Jupiter appear larger and unusually bright. NASA says only the Moon and Venus will be brighter in the night sky. No telescope is required — face east and scan just above the horizon around 6 p.m. local time, and use an interactive sky map or app if you need help. Clear, dark skies and binoculars will improve the view.
See Jupiter at Its Brightest This Weekend — How and When to Spot the Gas Giant
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Look up this weekend: Jupiter will appear brighter than at any other time this year as the planet reaches opposition on Saturday night.
What Opposition Means: Opposition occurs when Earth sits nearly directly between the Sun and Jupiter, putting the three bodies in (near) a straight line. That alignment makes Jupiter rise around sunset, remain visible all night, and appear larger and unusually bright from our perspective.
How To See Jupiter
No telescope is required to catch this display. Once the sky darkens — roughly around 6 p.m. local time, though that varies by location and date — face east and scan just above the horizon. Jupiter will be one of the brightest points in the sky; only the Moon and Venus will outshine it, according to NASA.
Tips For Better Viewing:
- Find a spot with a clear eastern horizon and as little light pollution as possible.
- Binoculars will reveal Jupiter’s disk and may show its four brightest moons (the Galilean satellites).
- Use an interactive night-sky map or a free app (for example, Stellarium, SkyView, or SkySafari) to confirm Jupiter’s exact position for your location.
- Plan to look early in the evening; opposition provides the clearest and brightest view but is a short-lived opportunity for peak visibility.
Clear skies and low atmospheric turbulence (steady air) will make the best viewing conditions. Even with some clouds, Jupiter should be visible because of its brightness.
Note: Local sunset times and the moment the sky is dark enough to see Jupiter will vary. Check a sky map or app for exact rise times where you are.
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