Oppositions of Jupiter until 2037
Dates are in Universal Time. The distance is the one at the instant of opposition. In this list the closest opposition is that of October 2, 2034, at 3.953 AU.
| Opposition | Constellation | Distance | Kilometres | Closest to Earth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo | 4.361 AU | 652.4 million km | ||
| Leo | 4.440 AU | 664.3 million km | ||
| Virgo | 4.449 AU | 665.6 million km | ||
| Libra | 4.385 AU | 656.0 million km | ||
| Ophiuchus | 4.265 AU | 638.0 million km | ||
| Sagittarius | 4.121 AU | 616.5 million km | ||
| Aquarius | 4.002 AU | 598.7 million km | ||
| Pisces | 3.953 AU | 591.4 million km | ||
| Aries | 3.994 AU | 597.5 million km | ||
| Taurus | 4.107 AU | 614.5 million km |
What happens at opposition
At opposition the Earth passes between Jupiter and the Sun: the planet is opposite the Sun in our sky. It rises around sunset, is highest around midnight and sets around sunrise, so it is visible all night.
It is also the time of year when Jupiter is nearest and brightest, and when its disc is largest in a telescope. The good observing season lasts for several weeks on either side of the date.
Oppositions come back after one synodic period, the time Earth needs to catch up with the planet again. Around each opposition the planet moves retrograde for a few months.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next opposition of Jupiter?
The next opposition of Jupiter is on February 11, 2027, in 90 days, in Leo. Jupiter will be 4.361 AU from Earth (652.4 million km, 405.4 million miles).
How often is Jupiter at opposition?
The next ones are on February 11, 2027, March 12, 2028, April 12, 2029 and May 13, 2030. The interval is the synodic period of Jupiter.
Is Jupiter closest to Earth on the day of opposition?
Within a few days of it. The closest approach is slightly offset from the opposition because the orbits of Earth and Jupiter are ellipses; the table gives both dates.