Bright Jupiter in Taurus . ... Credit Copyright: Tun Tezel ( TWAN ) Explanation: That bright star you've recently noticed rising just after sunset isn't a star at all. ... Bright Jupiter is nearing its December 3rd opposition when it will stand in Taurus, opposite the Sun in planet Earth's sky. ... Small and faint, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres are about 10 degrees from Jupiter, near the left edge of the frame. Of course, you can imagine NASA's Dawn spacecraft in this field of view. ...