As of March 2026, Jupiter is a dominant planet in the early evening, riding high above the southern horizon from its high-declination location within the constellation of Gemini.
On 1 March, the planet reaches a peak altitude of 60° when due south under the cover of true darkness, as dark as it’s possible to get with a 97%-lit waxing gibbous Moon 36° to the east.
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On 11 March, Jupiter reaches the same high position above the southern horizon at 20:00 UT, but expanding spring evening twilight means this is the last day it can achieve this position under true darkness.
By the end of the month, the planet will be at 52° altitude above the southwest horizon as true darkness is reached, which is still very good.
On 26 March, at 20:14 UT, coming round for a second pass, a 61%-lit waxing gibbous Moon sits 5.2° northeast.
Observing Jupiter this month
At the moment, Jupiter is a difficult planet to miss, shining at mag. –2.3 on 1 March and dimming only marginally to mag. +2.1 by the end of the month.
A telescope will show a wealth of detail on its disc, aided by that high altitude lifting the planet above low turbulence.
This is especially useful if you’re imaging, as the more stable air at high altitude provides better opportunities to capture Jupiter’s fine detail.
You can find out more in our guide on how to observe Jupiter through a telescope.
Jupiter is currently approaching equinox in December of this year. This is when the apparent position of the Sun in Jupiter’s sky crosses the planet’s equatorial plane.
From Earth, like from the Sun, we get to see Jupiter sideways-on, which allows its outermost Galilean moon Callisto to appear to interact with the planet’s disc.
Jupiter in March 2026 – quick facts
- Best time to see: 1 March, 20:40 UT
- Altitude: 60°
- Location: Gemini
- Direction: South
- Features: Complex atmosphere, moons
- Recommended equipment: 100mm or larger
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