Mars and Jupiter are aligning in the night sky for their closest encounter of the decade. On Wednesday, from our vantage point, the two planets will be so near that a sliver of the moon could fit between them. Despite this close appearance, they will actually be over 350 million miles (575 million kilometers) apart in their orbits around the Sun.
The planets will achieve their closest approach—about one-third of a degree apart, roughly the width of the moon—during daylight in much of the Americas, Europe, and Africa. However, the difference in their apparent proximity will be minimal if observed a day earlier or later when the sky is dark, according to Jon Giorgini of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Mars and Jupiter Align Closely in Night Sky for First Time Since 2018The most optimal viewing of this planetary conjunction will be in the eastern sky, toward the constellation Taurus, before dawn. Such alignments, known as planetary conjunctions, occur approximately every three years, providing a striking visual display for skywatchers.
These alignments are primarily of visual interest, offering a beautiful spectacle for those observing the sky, with the added benefit of allowing astronomers to accurately predict such events years in advance. The current alignment is the closest Mars and Jupiter have been since 2018, with the next similar alignment expected in 2033.
Additionally, this close approach of Mars and Jupiter coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most vibrant meteor showers of the year. Observers will not need binoculars or telescopes to enjoy the celestial event, making it an accessible and spectacular sight for many.