Jupiter at opposition (brightest of the year)
Feb 11, 2027 to Feb 12, 2027 6:30 PM
Zoe, KY
On this night, Earth passes directly between the Sun and Jupiter, placing the giant planet at its closest approach to us for the year. Shining at a brilliant magnitude of -2.5 in the constellation Leo, Jupiter will outshine every star in the sky and remain visible all night long, making it the absolute best time for astronomical viewing and photography. The viewing starts in the eastern sky around 6:36 PM EST as twilight fades. Peak observation hours arrive around midnight (12:40 AM EST), when Jupiter reaches its highest point high in the southern sky. While it appears as a dazzling point of light to the naked eye, a simple pair of binoculars will reveal its round disk alongside its four largest moons, and small telescopes will unlock detailed views of its swirling atmospheric cloud bands.
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