Mars and Jupiter will appear side by side in the sky early on Sunday, November 15, in a planetary conjunction visible without astronomical equipment.
According to the Svabhegy Observatory, the best time to view the event will be around 5.30am, when the planets will sit high above the southern horizon. Under clear skies, observers will be able to see the pair even from a south-facing window.
Jupiter will gleam with a brilliant whitish light at magnitude minus 2.1, while Mars will appear roughly 1.2 degrees away with an orange-red hue and a brightness of magnitude 0.7. Nearby, Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, will display a contrasting blue-white shade.
In astronomical measurements, lower or negative magnitude numbers denote brighter objects, ensuring that Jupiter will dominate the dawn vista. A conjunction takes place when two planets appear close together from the perspective of Earth, despite the vast distances separating them in space.
What binoculars and telescopes will reveal
A telescope is not required to enjoy the conjunction, as both worlds will be bright enough for anyone to spot without previous astronomy experience. However, viewers who use binoculars or a small telescope will be able to resolve individual details across Jupiter, including its atmospheric cloud bands and the famous Great Red Spot.
Such instruments will also reveal Jupiter's four largest moons: Io, Europa, Callisto and Ganymede. These four natural satellites were first observed by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1610, and they orbit the solar system's largest planet in plain view of backyard optics.
Alternative viewing dates and conditions
The display will not be restricted to November 15. If overcast weather disrupts viewing on Sunday, observers can look up on the preceding or following morning. On Saturday, November 14, the planets will stand roughly 1.4 degrees apart, before drawing back to a distance of 1.2 degrees on Monday, November 16.
The planets will remain visible until the start of civil twilight, when the approaching sunrise begins to brighten the sky. Watching the event will require clear skies and an unobstructed view looking toward the south.
