[ad_1]
Image:
Keystone
The star of Bethlehem with the Magi is a symbolic image at Christmas. But did this celestial phenomenon really exist? One explanation could be a rare planetary constellation that is now returning.
He showed the three kings the way to Jesus: According to the Bible, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar found the baby’s manger through the Star of Bethlehem. It is not clear if this phenomenon of the sky existed or if it is pure symbolism.
The most likely explanation for the show is a special constellation of planets. This can now be seen in time for Christmas this year: In the evening sky on December 21, our eyes see Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system, merge.
A similar event won’t happen again until 2080
According to the Vereinigung der Sternfreunde, Germany’s largest association for amateur astronomers, the two planets are particularly close when viewed from Earth. The reason: they both travel around the sun at different speeds. The faster Jupiter then overtakes the more distant Saturn.
“This year’s overtaking maneuver is something special. The two planets will almost merge into a common point of light, ”says Sternfreunde President Sven Melchert. Overtaking occurs every 20 years. But an equally narrow clash will only occur again in 2080.
And you can’t always watch the show. Twenty years ago, the giants were not visible in the night sky during the conjunction. And in 2080, the closest approach won’t take place until dawn. “The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21, 2020 is the best the universe has to offer us in a long time,” emphasizes Melchert.
Indistinguishable from each other at a glance
The two planets are currently in the southwestern sky at night. You do not need a telescope to make an observation. According to Melchert, the bright Jupiter is then to the left below the ring planet Saturn. It will no longer be possible to separate the two with the naked eye.
However, with binoculars, you can see some of its four moons in addition to Jupiter. Y: Saturn’s ring system can also be seen at a magnification of at least 30 times. If the weather is uncooperative on December 21, a similar close gathering the day before and the next day can also be observed, a beautiful sky highlighted after a challenging year.
return to homepage
[ad_2]
