We fly between Jupiter and the sun today

What’s Happening

Breaking it down: Giant Jupiter is closest to Earth for 2026 on January 9.

Then Earth will fly between the sun and Jupiter - bringing Jupiter to opposition - on January 10. The post We fly between Jupiter and the sun today first appeared on EarthSky. (shocking, we know)

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The Details

Earth flies between the sun and Jupiter on . Jupiter will be opposite the sun, or in opposition to the sun.

Its the best time of the year to view this giant planet. Find out about Jupiters opposition in our video with Deborah Byrd.

Why This Matters

Well present a 3D view of Earth, Jupiter and the sun in space explain why Jupiter is brightest and best around now tell you how to find Jupiter in the night sky explain how to spot Jupiters moons with binoculars … and show how spacecraft images, from Voyager to Juno, transformed our understanding of this giant world. EarthSkys 2026 lunar calendar shows the moon phase for every day of the year. Jupiter in 2026: Earth will fly between the biggest planet in our solar system Jupiter and the sun on .

This could have implications for future research in this area.

Key Takeaways

• At that time, this mighty world will be most opposite the sun from Earth for this year.
• Itll be rising in the east as the sun sets in the west.
• Astronomers will call it Jupiters opposition to the sun.
• The early months of 2026 will be a solid time to observe Jupiter!

The Bottom Line

Angular size at opposition (as seen through a telescope): 46. Through binoculars (anytime): Jupiter reveals a bright disk.

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