Skywatchers will be treated to a striking celestial display on Christmas Day, with Jupiter rising brightly in the eastern sky soon after sunset. The giant planet, currently positioned in the constellation Gemini, is shining at magnitude –2.6, making it brighter than any star visible to the naked eye.
For many, Jupiter’s brilliance evokes the age-old imagery of the “Christmas Star” or the “Star of Bethlehem” described in the Gospel of Matthew. Around 6.30 pm local time, observers can simply look east-north-east to spot the steady white glow of the planet, easily distinguishable from twinkling stars
A treat for telescope users
Jupiter is nearing opposition, a phase when Earth lies between the planet and the Sun, bringing it closer and brighter in the night sky. Although opposition officially occurs on January 10, 2026, Jupiter is already close to its peak brilliance.
With binoculars or a small telescope, skywatchers can observe Jupiter’s four largest moons — Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto — appearing as tiny points of light lined up beside the planet. This makes Christmas night an ideal opportunity for beginners and families to enjoy simple astronomy.
Crescent moon meets Saturn
The western sky offers another highlight. After dark on December 25, a 30 per cent-lit waxing crescent moon will be visible, with Saturn glowing nearby. On December 26, the moon and Saturn will appear in a close conjunction, separated by about four degrees — a visually pleasing pairing easily seen without equipment.
What’s next for skywatchers
The moon will continue waxing through the final week of the year, reaching first quarter on December 27. On December 31, it will pass close to the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Early January brings the year’s first full moon — the Wolf Moon — followed by Jupiter’s opposition on January 10, when it will be visible all night.
For astronomy enthusiasts in coastal Karnataka and beyond, clear December skies offer a memorable and peaceful way to celebrate the festive season — by simply looking up.