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Jupiter at Opposition Tonight, Brightest and Largest of 2026

Look to the eastern sky after sunset to see it glowing through Gemini all night.

Overview

  • NASA and multiple outlets report the alignment places Earth between Jupiter and the Sun, fully illuminating the planet and making it easy to spot worldwide.
  • Jupiter peaks near magnitude −2.7, outshining every star and trailing only the Sun, Moon and Venus in brightness.
  • The planet rises at sunset and remains visible until dawn in Gemini near Castor and Pollux, appearing as a steady, non-twinkling light.
  • Binoculars can reveal the four Galilean moons, while small telescopes show cloud bands and, in steady conditions, additional detail.
  • Public viewing is underway, including a Dubai Astronomy Group event at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and favorable evening views continue for days after the peak.