Jupiter and Mars are set for a breathtaking close approach later this week: Here's how to see it
Mars and Jupiter will be close enough to share the field of view of a pair of 10x50 binoculars and will also make for a spectacular sight through the eyepiece of a telescope when viewed separately as they rise away from the horizon.
Key points
- stargazers at the moment of their closest approach, but observers can catch the pair rising above the eastern horizon around midnight local time, just a few hours later.
- Celestron StarSense Explorer LT114AZ (Image credit: Celestron) The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT114AZ is a great way to get a closer look at Jupiter, Mars and Saturn.
- The two planets will appear to gradually drift apart over the coming weeks and won't appear as close again for another 2.5 years in July 2029, when the two planets appear close together in the constellation Virgo.
Jupiter and Mars will shine side by side in a spectacular close approach in the heart of the constellation Leo on Nov.
Jupiter will be the brightest of the pair, when it rises a little over 1 degree from the red light of Mars — roughly the width of your little finger held at arm's length against the night sky.
Additional details
- The bright star Regulus will glow close at hand, forming the dot of the backward question mark formation of stars that represents the head of the great Lion in the constellation Leo.
- Mars and Jupiter reach their closest apparent separation in Earth's sky at 9:04 p.m.
- Its 4.5-inch aperture and a high 1000mm focal length delivers good magnification out of the box, plus it's integrated with the StarSense smartphone app, which makes finding those planets so much easier.
- Be sure to check out our guide to photographing the night sky, along with our picks of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography if you're interested in following the dance of the planets for yourself.
- Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
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