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A cosmic scene known as the “Christmas Star” will illuminate Earth’s sky when Jupiter and Saturn meet on Monday night, December 21.
Every 20 years, Jupiter and Saturn intersect giant gas paths in the night sky during what is called the “Great Conjunction.”
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On these rare nights, the two planets are almost close to each other. However, this year’s conjunction is very special, as Saturn and Jupiter will be exceptionally close to each other to form what looks like a famous Christmas star.
On Monday, December 21, the pairing will peak and Jupiter and Saturn will be 0.1 ° from each other. At its closest, the distance between the planets would be less than one-fifth the diameter of the moon. The planets will appear as a star to the naked eye.
The two planets would appear so close that a little finger from one arm would easily cover both in the sky. It will be easy to see the planets with the naked eye looking southwest immediately after sunset.
The planets were last so close together in 1623, although the conjunction was not visible at the time.
NASA / JPL-Caltech
The last great pairing with such close proximity, which can be seen with the naked eye, occurred in 1226, and this congruence will not be repeated until 2080.
How do you see the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn?
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If you look up at night after sunset, you will see that the planets are already quite close together.
Jupiter and Saturn fly through the southwestern sky, resembling exceptionally bright stars. However, unlike the star’s distinctive brightness, the two planets shine with a constant brightness.
And keep in mind that you will have a small chance to see the matchmaking, as the Christmas star will set a few hours after sunset.
If possible, NASA suggests that you find a quiet place with a light pollution-free view of the sky, such as a park or field.
The planets must be bright enough to be seen from cities. In the days leading up to Monday, look for planets in the southwestern sky about an hour after sunset.
Saturn will be slightly weaker than Jupiter and will hang to the left of the gas giant.
Although you don’t need any instruments to view the astronomical event, a telescope or binoculars can help you spot Jupiter’s four largest moons: Io, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.
This year’s great pairing will coincide with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.
Source: Express
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