NASA shares skywatching tips for January 2026, Jupiter to offer brightest view of the year

Skywatchers are set for a striking celestial display on January 10, 2026, when Jupiter reaches opposition, making it the brightest and largest it will appear in the night sky this year, according to NASA.

Opposition occurs when Earth lies directly between Jupiter and the Sun. This alignment places the gas giant opposite the Sun in the sky, allowing it to reflect maximum sunlight toward Earth and appear bigger and brighter than at any other time of the year.

NASA said Jupiter will be visible all night on January 10 and can be seen rising in the east around sunset. The best time to observe the planet will be around midnight, when it is highest in the sky. Jupiter will appear in the constellation Gemini and will be one of the brightest objects visible, with only the Moon and Venus appearing brighter. Venus, however, will be hidden behind the Sun at that time.

The planet will shine at a magnitude of minus 2.7, making it easy to spot with the naked eye as a bright, star-like object. Its disk will measure about 45.6 arcseconds in diameter, offering an impressive view through binoculars or a telescope.

NASA said a telescope is not required to enjoy the event, but those with binoculars or telescopes can expect a more detailed view. Observers using telescopes will be able to see Jupiter’s four largest moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, as they orbit the planet.

NASA encouraged viewers to look east after sunset and enjoy Jupiter’s appearance throughout the night as it reaches its peak visibility for the year.