Magnificent Jupiter is ablaze in the December night sky.
Reaching opposition on 7 December, Jupiter shines brightly at mag. –2.7 located against the stars of Taurus the Bull and is visible all night long.
In this guide we'll reveal how to make the best of Jupiter at opposition in 2024 and key observing highlights.
Get more advice with our guide on how to observe Jupiter through a telescope
Jupiter opposition 2024 key facts
- Best time to see: 7 December, 00:00 UT
- Altitude: 59°
- Location: Taurus
- Direction: South
- Features: Complex atmosphere, Galilean moons
- Recommended equipment: 75mm scope or larger
Observing Jupiter in December 2024
December’s long nights offer an opportunity to observe a full rotation of Jupiter, the planet spinning once on its axis in just under 10 hours.
It’s a bit of a marathon to do this, but fascinating to devote an entire night to observing Jupiter.
It really allows you to connect with the planet, your eyes noticing every nuance of its complex atmosphere delivered by your telescope.
If you’re able to image or sketch a full rotation, software such as WinJUPOS (freeware) will allow you to build a full surface map.
Of course, in order to observe a full rotation, you’ll need to be lucky with the weather.
Find out more in our guide on how to photograph Jupiter and how to sketch Jupiter.
Jupiter opposition 2024 observing highlights
There are a number of interesting Jovian moon encounters this month to look out for too.
Near opposition, a moon will appear to pass across Jupiter’s disc in line with its shadow.
The alignment is normally displaced north or south, depending where Jupiter is in its seasons and it’s rare to get a moon and its shadow transiting precisely at opposition.
Despite this, the transit of Ganymede and its shadow on the evening of 8 December will appear to have both of them virtually touching.
The full Moon (the Moon technically also at opposition) joins Jupiter on the evening of 14 December, the pair separated by just 4.6 earlier in the evening.
On 31 December 2024, Jupiter sits 5.8° northeast of Aldebaran, with the Hyades and Pleiades open clusters nearby.
The planet reaches its peak altitude of 60° all month long under truly dark sky conditions.
If you observe or photograph Jupiter at opposition, let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
