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The winter night is very close to Jupiter and Saturn for the first time in about 400 years! The possibility is shortly after sunset.
Pay attention to the night sky immediately after sunset on the 21st! The possibility is up to 2 hours after sunset. A valuable astronomical spectacle in which Jupiter and Saturn get close for the first time in about 400 years. Pay attention to the position of the low sky in a southwesterly direction. Let’s look in a place with good eyesight.
Jupiter and Saturn are very close to each other for the first time in about 400 years! If you miss this, 60 years later
Jupiter orbits the sun in about 12 years and Saturn in about 30 years, so on average these two stars align in the same direction from the sun once every 20 years. However, although the two stars do get closer together roughly once every 20 years, the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are slightly tilted, so they don’t always get closer to each other.
This time, the distance between the two stars will be as close as 0.1 degrees, which is the first time in 397 years. If you lose this time, the next will be 2080, 60 years later.
It can only be observed for an hour or two after sunset. How does it look?
However, during this closest time zone, Jupiter and Saturn have already sunk below the horizon in Japan, so you can see the closest approach in Japan since the afternoon of the 21st tonight. About 2 hours after sunset. Sunset time on the 21st is 4:32 pm in Tokyo.
These stars are quite low in the sky because they are heading to the southwest and just before sinking to the horizon. For this reason, it is recommended to observe the area with a good view, with the sky open to the southwest.
Observation is also possible with the naked eye. This way of looking is also talked about, and the two stars are said to be too close to each other, and perhaps can be seen as a single star with the naked eye. See for yourself how it looks.
What is the weather on the 21st tonight?
The weather from afternoon to night on the 21st will be unfortunate because it is easy to snow and rain in the inland areas on the Sea of Japan side and the northeast side of the Pacific from Hokkaido to the China region. It is also expected to rain in Okinawa.
On the Pacific side, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, there are areas where clouds are likely to appear, mainly in the coastal areas of Tohoku and Kinki, but there are many places where there are viewing opportunities on a sunny day.
The winter-type pressure distribution is loosening and the cold air is slowly coming out, but when viewed outside, the temperature will drop immediately when the sun goes down. Please take all possible measures against the cold and watch.
Today 21 is the “winter soul” in the northern hemisphere, with the shortest day and longest night of the year. If you notice it, the sun will set in the blink of an eye, but don’t forget to look up at the southwestern sky at dusk today.
・ Astroarts website: https://www.astroarts.co.jp/
* December 21, 2020 12:55 Part of the article has been modified.
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