Since the year 2000, Jupiter and Mars have been in conjunction just 11 times, according to Space.com. After Wednesday morning, it won't be until Nov. 15, 2026 that they cross paths again.

Since the year 2000, Jupiter and Mars have been in conjunction just 11 times, according to Space.com. After Wednesday morning, it won't be until Nov. 15, 2026 that they cross paths again.

A view you won’t want to miss. Jupiter is currently approaching its best apparition in the Northern Hemisphere in a decade, and the chance to spot it close to Mars is one you won’t get again ...

The encounter is an out-of-this-world example of right place, right time — as Mars zips past Jupiter, Earth will be in the perfect spot to see the two planets look as if they are within arm's reach.

B e sure to set your alarm clock for at least a couple of hours before sunrise on Wednesday morning (Aug. 14), for if you have a clear view toward the east, you'll be able to see brilliant Jupiter ...

However, Mars will appear to be floating in front of and to the left of Jupiter. Of the two planets, Jupiter will be brighter, so you'll likely spot it first and then have to look for Mars afterward.

This combination image, created from two photos provided by NASA, shows Jupiter in 2017 (left) and Mars in 2003. From Earth, the two planets will appear to be almost touching later this week.

The view shows Jupiter including its Great red Spot captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft on the outbound leg of its 12th close flyby of the gas giant planet, April 1, 2018. Picture taken April 1, 2018.

In the mornings following Aug. 14, Mars will quickly move away from Jupiter at a rate of about one-half degree per day to the east. By month's end, they will be separated by roughly 8½ degrees.

This combination image, created from two photos provided by NASA, shows Jupiter in 2017 (left) and Mars in 2003. From Earth, the two planets will appear to be almost touching later this week.

The view shows Jupiter including its Great red Spot captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft on the outbound leg of its 12th close flyby of the gas giant planet, April 1, 2018. Picture taken April 1, 2018.