Mars at opposition 2027
Mars is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude -1.1) in Leo.
When
What it is
At opposition the Earth passes between the Sun and Mars. The planet rises at sunset, is highest around midnight and sets at sunrise.
How to see it
Easy to see with the naked eye as a bright, steady “star”. A telescope shows the polar cap and dark surface markings on good nights.
Check the clouds for that night
See it for your city
See also
Mercury at greatest eastern elongation, 3 February 2027
Mercury is 18.3° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the west after sunset.
Annular solar eclipse 6 February 2027
The “ring of fire” crosses southern Chile and Argentina, the South Atlantic and West Africa. South America and much of Africa see a partial eclipse.
The Moon meets Mercury, 8 February 2027
The Moon passes 0.3° from Mercury — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
Jupiter at opposition 2027
Jupiter is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude -2.4) in Leo.
Neptune at opposition 2026
Neptune is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 7.8) in Pisces.
Saturn at opposition 2026
Saturn is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude 0.3) in Cetus.