Jupiter Dominates December's Night Sky with Meteor Showers and More

Jupiter is set to outshine the stars this week as it reaches opposition on December 7, appearing bigger and brighter in the night sky. During opposition, Jupiter will be closest to Earth, about 380 million miles away, and visible all night. Despite potential rain in the Pacific Northwest, clear skies earlier in the week may offer good viewing opportunities. A small telescope can reveal Jupiter's moons and equatorial belts, while a medium-sized telescope might show the Great Red Spot, a massive storm on the planet.