Jupiter is currently a brilliant object moving retrograde in southeastern Leo. The giant planet which has a diameter 11 times that of the Earth rises in the east just after sunset and remains visible for the rest of the night. With only two weeks to go until opposition it's now the best time of year to view the "King of the planets". At magnitude -2.5 it's unmistakable and much brighter than any other night-time star.

On the evening of February 23rd and the morning of February 24th a nice visual and imaging opportunity occurs when the waning gibbous Moon (almost full) passes less than 2 degrees south of Jupiter.

Jupiter during February 2016 - pdf format (credit:- freestarcharts)

See also

The Planets this Month - February 2016