Dazzling 'Star' Revealed as Jupiter: Closest Approach Nears on Jan 10, 2026

• The bright 'star' in the eastern sky is actually Jupiter, nearing its opposition on January 10, 2026.
• During opposition, Earth will lie directly between the sun and Jupiter, making the planet fully illuminated and closest to Earth.
• Jupiter will be visible to the naked eye, outshining all other stars, and binoculars can reveal its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
• It will appear near the Gemini constellation, with Castor and Pollux as markers, and will dominate evening skies through March 2026.
• Jupiter's 11.86-year orbit aligns with the 12-year Chinese zodiac, linking to the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026.

Why It Matters: Jupiter's rare close approach and dazzling visibility make it a must-see celestial event for all.