November is the best time of year to view Jupiter and Uranus. Both planets reach opposition this month, which means they’ll be on the opposing side of the sky from the sun. We’ll get prime viewing opportunity on a clear night (especially through a telescope). Jupiter reaches opposition on the evening of Nov. 2, and Uranus does on the morning of Nov. 13. (The change will appear to be much more significant for Jupiter than Uranus, since Uranus is almost four times farther away from the sun.) Throughout the month, both planets will be highest in the sky at around midnight.
Each month, Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory astronomer Eric McLaughlin spotlights a notable celestial event. For information about the observatory, visit ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.