Skywatchers in Pakistan and around the world are in for a treat as Jupiter reaches its closest approach to Earth in 2026, Suparco announced on Saturday.
The largest planet in the solar system will be visible from Pakistan between 6:34 PM and 6:45 AM. “Tonight, Jupiter will be at its closest approach, making it appear bigger and brighter in the sky,” a Suparco spokesperson said.
The planet will rise at sunset and remain visible all night. Positioned in the Constellation Gemini, Jupiter will be clearly observable with the naked eye. Its four largest moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto — will also be visible to keen observers.
Astronomers explained that this event, known as opposition, occurs when Earth is directly between Jupiter and the Sun. During opposition, Jupiter appears at its brightest and largest due to its closest approach to Earth.
“This is a perfect opportunity for skywatchers to observe Jupiter’s features, including the Great Red Spot and its Galilean moons,” Suparco said. The planet will have a magnitude of about -2.6, making it the brightest object in the night sky.
The spectacle will be visible in both hemispheres, rising in the east after sunset and setting in the west at dawn. Suparco added that the best viewing period will be from January 9 to February 11, 2027, when Jupiter remains prominent in the sky.
Astronomers encourage enthusiasts to use telescopes or binoculars to enjoy a closer view of the planet’s surface and its moons. They also advised observers to find clear, dark locations away from city lights for optimal viewing during Jupiter’s closest approach.
This rare astronomical event is expected to capture the attention of both amateur and professional astronomers, offering a unique opportunity to witness Jupiter at its most striking in 2026.
In other news read more about: NASA’s Parker Probe Sets Record With Closest Sun Approach
