Unmissable: curious facts and how to see the “star of Bethlehem” in Colombia from this Monday

In an atypical year, due to the situation of covid-19, and a December that has given much to talk about due to the increase in infections in the country, the universe continues to “provide Christmas gifts”, of special interest to lovers of the astronomy. On the morning of December 14, for two minutes and 10 seconds, in some regions of South America the eclipse of the sun could be seen, and as of this December 21, at night, the “star of Bethlehem” will be seen.

The Star of Bethlehem, unlike the solar eclipse, can be seen in Colombia. The attention that the astronomical event deserves is not less, then, Although it can be seen every two decades, since 1623, specialists assure that since the Middle Ages, a phenomenon as brilliant as the one that will be seen from today could not be observed.

Germán Puerta, scientific disseminator of the Bogotá Planetarium, explained to Infobae that it is popularly known as “Star of Bethlehem” or “Christmas” it is a planetary conjunction, product of the alignment of the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn, which, in the eyes of the terrestrial inhabitants, will be seen as a single star. This approach between the two planets could be observed throughout December, but this Monday it will reach its climax, since they can be observed together with their moons.

“This event is special because the approach between the two planets is quite minimal, six minutes of a degree. To give an idea, the diameter of the moon is 30 minutes. So it will be so small that, as of Tuesday, December 15, the two planets could be seen simultaneously, ”explained Germán Puerta.

About the ‘great conjunction, unmissable, if one takes into account that for 200 years it cannot be seen at night, the National and Aeronautical Administration (NASA) of the United States, explained that this December 21 Jupiter and Saturn “They will appear so close that a little finger with an extended arm will easily cover both planets in the sky. The planets will be easy to see with the naked eye looking southwest just after sunset. “

The approach of Jupiter and Saturn is known as the ‘great conjunction’ because, for ancient sky watchers. this pair of planets was the slowest moving one. Jupiter takes almost 12 years to describe a complete circle in the heavens, spending a year visiting each zodiac sign, while Saturn takes 29.5 years to make a trip complete around the Sun.

Recommendations to see it in Colombia

1. Find a place with a clear view of the sky, like a park.

2. One hour after sunset, that is, between 6 and 7 at night, look to the west. The idea is that the horizon is clear of light pollution.

3. The brightest planet is Jupiter and the weakest is Saturn, according to Germán Puerta.

4. The planets can be seen with the naked eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, it is possible to see the four large moons of Jupiter orbiting the giant planet.

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