Throughout this month, Jupiter has remained in the constellation Gemini (the Twins), providing a reliable reference point in the evening sky – and it will continue to do so into March. As the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter shines brightly enough to cut through urban light pollution, making it easy to spot.
Gemini is identified by its two principal stars, Castor and Pollux, which mark the twins’ heads. During February, Jupiter sits between and slightly south of these stars, outshining them both.
Unlike stars, planets are close enough to Earth that they do not appear to twinkle because their light is less affected by atmospheric distortion – this helps to distinguish them from surrounding star fields. As a result, Jupiter stands out as a steady beacon in the night sky.
Its gradual motion against the fixed stars can be tracked night after night, reflecting both its own orbit around the sun and Earth’s motion. Comparing Jupiter’s position relative to Castor and Pollux over successive weeks reveals this subtle shift, offering a glimpse of the solar system’s celestial clockwork.
The chart shows the view high in the south-south-east from London at 7pm on Friday 27 February, when the grouping is joined by the waxing gibbous moon.