I heard on the news a few days ago that Jupiter is as close to earth as it has been in 22 years. It comes up in the east at dusk and is about straight overhead at midnight. I could see the planet and 4 of its moons last night with my old Zeiss nightowls. Broke out the Leupold 40X spotting scope and could see it even better in our city lights around Dallas. I would like to get out in the country where is is real dark to get a good look. It is the brightest object in the night sky outside of the moon.
If you have a nice spotting scope it would be worth breaking it out! Sort of wish I had a big telescope when these events come about.

You are correct. I have not broken out the spotting scope yet, but I did see the ISS last Thursday night. Pretty impressive.
Peter.

You don't really need ultra-dark skies for planetary observation. So, enjoy it from your back yard in Dallas! When you use your spotting scope, keep an eye out for the shadow of one of the moons on the cloud surface of the planet.

Thanks for the heads-up on this. I'm not into astronomy, but I went out with my spotting scope and was surprised at the good view my granddaughter and I enjoyed. We could see four moons as well as some of the coloured bands (clouds?) on the surface. No sign of the great red spot...I guess that's on the other side now?

Enjoyed it tremendously...thanks again.

John