Stargazing Stroll: Opposition of Jupiter

See Jupiter at its biggest and brightest!

Learn all about the largest planet in the Solar System at a special Jupiter-themed program in the visitor center theater. After the program, we'll walk the Longleaf Pine Trail to a telescope viewing area where we will look at Jupiter, Saturn, and other objects in the night sky.

What is the opposition of Jupiter? This happens when the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter are in alignment. During opposition, Jupiter is opposite the Sun—as the Sun sets in the west, Jupiter rises in the east. This is the best time to see the largest planet, as it appears biggest and brightest in the sky.

Meet at the visitor center. Please bring a flashlight for hiking in the darkness!

In the event of cloudy conditions, we will still host the program in the theater and lead a night hike, but telescope viewing will not be available.