On December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will converge in the evening sky to form a “Great Conjunction” – the likes of which hasn’t been in 397 years. Step outside 45 minutes after sunset, and look low on the Southwest horizon to see these two planets seemingly appear as one (there will be a mere 0.1° degrees between them at their closest.) Best to get outside quickly, though, and in a spot with good visibility of the horizon, as these planets will be low in the sky (14° high) and setting fast.
Due to conjunction occurring on the Winter Solstice, some are dubbing it the “Christmas Star”; I will be not be one of those – they’re planets, people – but I’m totally down with the part where this hopefully heralds in a more positive year ahead.
For more, head on over to Sky & Telescope who have a great write-up on this special celestial event.
And, be sure to look up nightly to see these two planets slowly move closer together each evening.
