Mars and Jupiter to Appear Just Over 1 Degree Apart on Nov. 15–16
The planets are forecast to pass close together in the night sky, with U.S. viewers able to look toward the eastern horizon around midnight.
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Mars and Jupiter are forecast to appear a little over 1 degree apart in the sky on the night of November 15–16, 2026. For viewers in the United States, the planets are expected to rise above the eastern horizon around midnight.
Key details
- The apparent approach will occur in Leo, with Regulus below the planets.
- Mars and Jupiter will remain more than 368 million miles (592 million kilometers) apart in space.
- Another similarly close apparent approach between the planets is forecast for July 2029.
Why it matters
The close pairing is an effect of viewing the planets from Earth; Mars and Jupiter orbit beyond Earth and remain far apart in space. Their apparent position offers viewers a chance to see both planets together against the stars of Leo.
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