Over the past weeks, you may have looked out at sunset to see two stars, but if you were in the northern hemisphere and were looking westward, you might have seen the two planets Jupiter and Saturn. This year the two planets orbital paths will lead them to appear like they are one to observers on earth. They will be closest together on Dec. 21, 2020, the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.
So, What is it?
When celestial bodies align, astronomers call it a conjunction, but since this one involves our solar system’s two biggest gas giant planets, it is called a “great conjunction.” [1]
How do I SEE?
You might be wondering how do I see this. The best time is shortly after sunset. You will want to look towards the west to see the planets; they will be right above the horizon.
The two planets will be visible for approximately a week leading up to Dec. 22 and a week afterwards.
If your wondering which planet is which, the News Scientist says Saturn will be above and to the left of Jupiter in the northern hemisphere and below and to the right in the southern hemisphere. [2]
Notes:
- ^https://www.kshb.com/weather/weather-blog-jupiter-saturn-will-line-up-in-our-sky-a-christmas-star-will-be-visible-on-the-first-day-of-winter-monday (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24833122-500-jupiter-saturn-conjunction-how-to-see-tonights-christmas-star/ (go back ↩)
