Jupiter and Mars will appear to make ultraclose approaches to the moon on two nights this week. Here’s how to get the best view, starting tonight.
Tonight, February 6-7, Jupiter will be about 5 degrees away from the moon, in what’s known as a conjunction. Look for Jupiter just below the moon in the constellation Taurus. The moon is currently transitioning from first-quarter phase to a waxing gibbous and will be about 70% illuminated.
In two nights, on February 9, Mars and the moon will be in conjunction around 2:36 p.m. EST. When they reach conjunction, they will be about half a degree apart. Mars will appear above and slightly to the west of the waxing gibbous moon, which will be about 90% illuminated.
To get the best views of these close approaches, find a spot under clear skies and away from artificial light. Allow some time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and use red light if you need to shine a flashlight. Both planets are easily visible with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance your viewing experience.
Additionally, skywatchers in northern latitudes might be able to catch a lunar occultation, when the moon appears to swallow a planet from the sky. Mars will vanish behind the moon around 1:09 p.m. EST and emerge from behind the moon around 4:30 p.m. EST. This event will be visible from parts of Canada, most of Scandinavia, Russia, and Asia.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/planets/how-to-see-jupiter-kiss-the-moon-tonight-before-mars-breaks-them-up-this-weekend