Focus Night: Jupiter

The Jupiter Focus Night invites you to spend an evening with the king of the planets, right when it’s putting on its best show in the Sonoma County night sky. As part of our Focus Night series, this event zeroes in on a single celestial highlight, offering a richer, more intentional way to experience one of the most impressive objects visible from Earth.

The evening begins with an engaging, accessible presentation all about Jupiter. You’ll learn what makes this massive planet so extraordinary, from its swirling cloud bands and iconic Great Red Spot to its powerful magnetic field and diverse family of moons. We’ll also touch on Jupiter’s role in mythology and astronomy, and how centuries of observation have shaped our understanding of this dynamic world.

After the presentation, we head to the telescopes to observe Jupiter firsthand. Through RFO’s telescopes, you may see Jupiter’s cloud bands, changing storms, and several of its Galilean moons lined up beside the planet—sometimes even catching a moon’s shadow crossing Jupiter’s face. Seeing these details with your own eyes brings the science and stories to life in an unforgettable way.

Whether you’re new to stargazing or a seasoned observer, Jupiter Focus Night offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and appreciate one of the solar system’s true giants. Join us for an evening of discovery, awe, and a closer connection to the night sky.