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Jupiter and Saturn are the leading pair in the sky this month. The main attraction will be the grand conjunction (or “Christmas star”) on December 21. But like any good drive-up feature, there’s opening entertainment. Fortunately, this is a bit better than a singing hot dog trying to convince you to stop by the concessions booth before the movie starts.
Early in the night of December 16, a thin crescent moon will turn cozy with bright Jupiter and Saturn, which are also very close to each other. The moon will have a close conjunction or step with both Jupiter and Saturn, bringing all three closer together during the brief period they are visible that night. You’ll see the moon just six degrees southwest of the gas giants, according to Astronomy.
You’ll find the trio congregating in the southwestern sky just after sunset. However, you will have to leave early to find them. Jupiter and Saturn will set just after 7 pm local time. The exact set time will vary slightly depending on where you are in the US In the Sky says the gas giants will be set at 7:06 pm and 7:09 pm, respectively, when viewed from New York City . In Los Angeles, those times change at 7:22 and 7:25 p.m. So it’s close, but around anywhere. (Note that you’re probably not getting a good view at the time they settled. They’ll be low in the sky and easily obstructed by anything on the horizon.)
New York and Los Angeles are easy landmarks, but if you want a great view, it’s best to go somewhere dark. That can be difficult with how surprisingly far the tendrils of light pollution go outside the city. However, you should be able to see the formation from most cities because Jupiter and Saturn are among the brightest objects in the night sky.
While the trio will form a small close unit on December 16, the three objects will be relatively close on the nights of December 15, 17, and 18 as well. You can see a diagram of where the moon will sit in relation to the two planets on EarthSky. However, the moon will be just a ray of light on December 15. It would be a good night to look for the light of the Earth against the surface of the moon. It may not be as impressive as the grand conjunction, but if you come out at the right time, this formation will be must-see and beautiful.
