Jupiter, Saturn coming closer on Monday
- by Jake Bell
- in Research
- — Dec 20, 2020
The cosmologist said scientists in the space environment referred to the meeting of Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky as a great conjunction because it happens less often than the conjunctions of other planets.
The solstice also marks the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. What makes this celestial event so special is that the two planets of our solar system will come close to the point that they will be separated by just one-tenth of a degree.
The 2020 "Christmas Star" will be a great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21, when, from our view on Earth, the two planets will appear at their closest in centuries.
"On the 21st, they will appear so close that a pinkie finger at arm's length will easily cover both planets in the sky".
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The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter's four large moons orbiting the giant planet.
"This rare event is special because of how bright the planets will be and how close they get to each other in the sky".
The Jupiter and Saturn appear to pass each other almost once every 20 years but what is so extraordinary about tomorrow's celestial extravaganza? Then, Saturn and Jupiter appeared to be two full-moon widths apart.
More news: League of Legends MMO Confirmed To Be In DevelopmentFind an unobstructed view of the sky, such as at a park.
The next great conjunction will happen on March 15, 2080.
"The further north a viewer is, the less time they'll have to catch a glimpse of the conjunction before the planets sink below the horizon", Hartigan said.
The alignment of Jupiter and Saturn will occur on Monday, December 21, and will be visible from anywhere on Earth - though conditions will be best near the equator. "The date of the conjunction is determined by the positions of Jupiter, Saturn, and the Earth in their paths around the Sun, while the date of the solstice is determined by the tilt of Earth's axis". Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.
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