Jupiter will reach opposition on August 19, 2021. At its farthest, it lies about 601 million miles away. At its closest point to Earth, Jupiter is about 365 million miles away. Reaches opposition approximately every 13 months.We will share some important facts about Jupiter, give our recommendations on equipment, point out the planet's must-see features, provide some helpful viewing tips, and more. So, let's become better acquainted with this gas giant. With a new opposition season now already upon us, Jupiter will once again grace our evening skies, a prime viewing target for the rest of the year. Jupiter will soon move into Capricornus where Saturn currently resides. Though they have since parted ways, like two celestial ships passing in the night, they are still cosmic neighbors. The two planets drew extremely close to one another in an historic encounter on December 21, 2020. Last year was an exciting one for observing Jupiter (and Saturn). Millions worldwide credit the sight of mighty Jupiter through a telescope for transforming them from casual observers to serious amateur astronomers.

Jupiter is relatively easy to locate and appears larger and brighter to the naked eye than surrounding stars, so it tends to attract curious stargazers. It is the fourth brightest object seen from Earth after the Sun, Moon, and Venus (or fifth depending on how close Mars is to the Earth). Ancient astronomers fittingly named Jupiter after the powerful Roman god. Beyond the asteroid belt lies the fifth and most massive planet in the Solar System, Jupiter.

Jupiter through telescope