2020 Jupiter at Opposition

When Jupiter is in opposition in the sky, it means that the giant gas planet is positioned directly opposite the Sun in relation to Earth. This celestial event occurs when Earth aligns itself between the Sun and Jupiter, placing the two planets at their closest approach. During opposition, Jupiter is at its brightest and most visible, illuminating the night sky with its radiant presence. Observers on Earth can witness this majestic planet rising in the east as the Sun sets in the west, reaching its highest point in the night sky around midnight. The opposition of Jupiter offers a prime opportunity for astronomers and stargazers to marvel at the planet’s impressive size and distinct bands of clouds through telescopes, highlighting the dynamic beauty of our solar system.