When to watch ‘Christmas Star’ in San Antonio

San Antonio – Every 20 or so years, the orbits of Saturn and Jupiter are observed from the Earth among us – seeing both planets together in the night sky. This year, however, the ‘great connection’ is getting a little extra hype for a few reasons.

The first is that this year’s alliance will ‘connect’ the two planets closer together Since 1623. When the event peaks on Monday, December 21, the two planets will appear only 0.1 ° apart. For reference, it is one fifth of the apparent diameter of the moon!

It’s also a happy coincidence that the engagement is over Christmas weekend, prompting many to nickname as ‘Christmas Star’ or ‘Bethlehem Star’.

So how do you see this rare phenomenon in and around San Antonio Christmas weekend? Here are some tips:

• Look southwest About 40 to 45 minutes after sunset. Which is around 6:20 to 6:25 p.m.
• Although the event is at its peak on Monday, December 21, it will be the best night to see Sunday the 20th. We will have clear skies on Sunday night, while there may be some clouds on Monday evening.
• The connection will appear during the Christmas week. However, every night after Monday the planets will appear closer to sunset time – which will be more difficult to see.
• The weather should be a little cooler each night. For more on the forecast, check out our weather page!

Related: Rare ‘Christmas star’ will illuminate the sky over the winter solstice