Jupiter Reaches Closest Point to Earth and Opposition in Rare Astronomical Event

The gas giant is at its brightest and largest in the night sky, offering a prime opportunity for stargazing and observation of its moons.

Jupiter reached its closest point to Earth for 2024 on December 6, at a distance of 611 million kilometers, and will be in opposition on December 7, directly opposite the Sun as seen from Earth.
This alignment makes Jupiter the second brightest object in the night sky after Venus, visible from dusk to dawn in the constellation Taurus.
Sky watchers can observe Jupiter and its four largest moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—with binoculars or telescopes, while some may spot the moons with the naked eye under ideal conditions.
Europa, with its icy surface and potential subsurface ocean, remains a key target for future exploration, including NASA's Europa Clipper mission launching in 2030.
Astrophotography enthusiasts are encouraged to capture Jupiter during this period, using techniques like afocal imaging or stacking for detailed images despite atmospheric distortions.