Overview
- The two planets are already visible in the east before dawn and will reach their closest apparent separation in mid-November, forming a tight, eye-catching pair in the southeast sky.
- No telescope or binoculars are needed; the planets rise around midnight and are highest in the early morning hours before sunrise for the best view.
- Astronomers use the term conjunction to describe this kind of apparent meeting, which happens because Jupiter and Mars move at different apparent speeds against the background stars.
- Observers can use the bright star Regulus in the constellation Leo as a fixed reference point to track the planets, and viewers may also spot Venus and, for a short period, Mercury near the horizon.
- After the close approach Mars will continue moving eastward against the star field and will pass near Regulus later in the month, giving skywatchers another clear change to follow.