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FORTALEZA, CE, BRAZIL, 12/21/2020: Jupiter and Saturn seen with the naked eye on Iracema beach. The phenomenon is called Great Conjunction (Photo: Aurelio Alves)
It reached its peak this Monday, the alignment between the two largest planets in the Solar System: Jupiter and Saturn. The phenomenon is rare and draws attention for its amazing visual effects. With the naked eye, viewers could see the two planets as if they were one large, bright star, especially people near the equator and in open places with a clear, cloudless night sky. The phenomenon could be observed since last Wednesday 16, but reached the peak of acuity this Monday.
Photographic reporter of THE VILLAGE recorded the phenomenon in the sky of Fortaleza. Look at the photographs gallery:
Although this Monday, December 21, is the date of the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, known as the summer solstice, the climax is even due to the night, in the alignment event known as the Great Conjunction. Due to the aesthetics of the image formed, the event is also popularly called “Estrela de Belém”, in reference to the biblical event that announces the birth of Jesus Christ to the three wise men, according to Christian tradition.
Phenomenon was broadcast on the Seara da Ciência channel of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) on YouTube, with the presence of professors in the field.
