While it is not a real star, the two planets will certainly create a bright splash in the night sky.
On the night of December 21, the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will appear so closely aligned in our sky that it will look like a double planet. This approach is called conjugation. The fact that this phenomenon is happening during the winter solstice is a pure coincidence, according to NASA.
Astronomer Patrick Hartigan, a professor of rice physics and astronomy, said: “Arrangements between these two planets are very rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this connection is rare because of how close the planets are to each other. Is, “said Patrick Hartigan, Rice’s president of physics. University in Houston, in a statement.
“You have to go all the way just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see the close alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”
If you’re a stargazer, you’ve probably noticed that Jupiter and Saturn are meeting together since summer. And they are currently visible in our night sky, close to each other.
Between December 16 and 25, they will become more comfortable. Look for the Jupiter-Saturn combination in the western sky about an hour after sunset every evening at this time.
“You can imagine the solar system as a racecar, each planet as a runner in its own lane and on Earth, in the middle of the Earth’s stadium,” said Henry Thrupe, an astronomer at the Department of Planetary Science at NASA headquarters in Washington.
“From our vantage point, we’ll be able to see Saturn on the inside alley on March 21 at the end of the month by moving closer to Saturn.”
How to watch
In the bay area, you will look up at the southwest sky, after sunset on the evening of December 21st. It will only appear for a short time, for about an hour or so. The forecast says for a mostly clear sky on Monday evening, so it should be easy to see the Christmas star.
“On the evening of the approach approaching December (Omber), they will look like a double planet, separating the diameter of the full moon by only 1/5 m,” Hartigan said. “For most telescope viewers, each planet and its many large moons will appear in the same field view that evening.”
While these two planets may appear close together, they are still millions of miles apart, according to NASA.
There is hope for a clear sky because with the best perspective for people close to the equator, the combination will appear worldwide.
“The farther north a viewer is, the sooner the planets will get a glimpse of the connection before sinking below the horizon,” Hartigan said.
The planets will be bright enough to see at twilight, which many U.S. This may be the best time for viewers to observe the connection.
“The sky in Houston is completely dark, for example, the connection will be only 9 degrees above the horizon,” Hertigan said. “If the weather cooperates and you have an unobstructed view of the southwest, it will be manageable to watch.”
If you’re in New York or London, or with that latitude, try to find a connection immediately after sunset. Waiting an hour after sunset will keep the planets closer to the horizon, making them more difficult to see.
Hartigan said the best position to watch this astronomical event would be the clear south-west horizon and no low clouds in the distance. Binoculars or binoculars can help you distinguish planets. The telescope will be able to see Saturn’s rings and the bright moon of both planets, he said.
Jupiter will look bright and easily visible. Saturn will be slightly obscure and will be slightly visible from above and to the left of Jupiter. On December 21, Jupiter will overtake Saturn and they will swap places in our sky.
“On December 21, the sun will set around 4:30. After that, it’s a race – before Jupiter and Saturn set around 45:45, the sky must be as dark as possible,” said Verter Freeman, Syracuse of New York State. Assistant Education Professor in the Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences of the University.
“Jupiter and Saturn will probably fade around a possible evening glow at: 00: 00 or: 15: 15 starting. With binoculars, a telescope or a telephoto lens with a focal length of (00 (millimeters) or more), you can also see Jupiter’s four. The biggest moon. There’s no better way to celebrate the longest night of the year than to see the stars. So if you’re thinking of a night of stargazing on the solstice, start by praising the big planets before setting it up. “
Live events around the connection
If you lose this connection and want to see planets in the same vicinity, just higher in the sky, it won’t happen until March 15, 2080 – and then not after 2400.
Between And 00000 CE or the Common Era, only seven connections were or would be closer than this – and two of them were closer to the Sun, which could not be seen without a telescope, according to Hertigan. So, yes, this is an incredibly rare phenomenon.
If weather conditions in your area do not agree to witness this celestial event, many live streams will be available.
The Lowell Observatory in Arizona’s Flagstaff will host a program starting at 7 p.m. ET, showcasing live footage through its binoculars. The stream will be on the Observatory’s YouTube page.
The report is contributed by ABC7 News
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