Jupiter is the best planet to see right now, and it's only getting better. Here's how to get the most out of it

Jupiter is the best planet to see right now, and it's only getting better. Here's how to get the most out of it

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Jupiter Hubble Space Telescope, 27 June 2019
Jupiter Hubble Space Telescope, 27 June 2019

Pete Lawrence

Jupiter is looking amazing in December 2025, a bright mag. –2.4 planet rising to a peak altitude approaching 60° when due south.

It’s currently located in Gemini, not far from the twin stars Castor and Pollux (Alpha (α) and Beta (β) Geminorum).

Reaching such a good height when due south allows Jupiter to lift itself well above Earth’s turbulent atmosphere, a welcome situation as it provides for steadier views of the planet.

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Jupiter is visible in the constellation Gemini, close to stars Castor and Pollux, throughout December 2025. Credit: Pete Lawrence
Jupiter is visible in the constellation Gemini, close to stars Castor and Pollux, throughout December 2025. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing Jupiter – top tips

Jupiter’s atmosphere is very turbulent in its own right, appearing banded when viewed through amateur telescopes.

In the southern hemisphere’s south equatorial belt (SEB) sits a persistent storm known as the Great Red Spot.

The Great Red Spot has been observed for at least 195 years, and over recent years has been shown to be shrinking in longitude span.

A view of Jupiter, the biggest planet in our Solar System, captured by the Cassini spacecraft. Credit: Source: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
Jupiter's Great Red Spot, as seen by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Getting a view of the Great Red Spot is down to luck with timing and the weather, but free software such as WinJUPOS will show the Great Red Spot's position for any selected date, allowing you to plan your observing session.

Jupiter’s main cloud belts can be seen through a small telescope, along with its four brightest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

In December 2025, their apparent interactions with Jupiter’s globe are being affected by exciting changes in the planet’s orientation.

Jupiter’s four bright Galilean moons appear in a line, shining like stars near to the planet
Jupiter’s four bright Galilean moons appear in a line, shining like stars near to the planet. Credit: Pete Lawrence

The period between Jupiter’s oppositions – when the planet is opposite the Sun in the sky and presented at its best as seen from Earth – is slightly longer than one Earth year.

That means that, if the timing is right, it’s possible to have a year without Jupiter reaching opposition. 2025 was one such year: the last opposition occurred on 7 December 2024, and the next won’t happen until 10 January 2026.

For more info on observing Jupiter in December 2025, read our guides on how to observe Jupiter and how to observe Jupiter's moons.

Jupiter’s complex atmosphere as it appeared in 2022. Credit: Pete Lawrence
Jupiter’s complex atmosphere as it appeared in 2022. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Jupiter in December 2025 – key facts

  • Best time to see: 31 December, 01:05 UT
  • Altitude: 59° 
  • Location: Gemini
  • Direction: South
  • Features: Complex atmosphere, moons
  • Recommended equipment: 100mm or larger

If you observe or photograph Jupiter in December 2025, share your observations and images with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com

Pete Lawrence

Astronomer and presenter

Pete Lawrence is an experienced astronomer and astrophotographer, and a presenter on BBC's The Sky at Night.
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