Great Conjunction 2020: Jupiter and Saturn Meet on Solstice
Rare Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction on December 21—Closest Since the Middle Ages!
Rare Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction on December 21—Closest Since the Middle Ages!
When: Monday, December 21, 2020
Planets occasionally pass each other in the night sky, but rarely this close. Faster-moving Jupiter laps Saturn every 20 years, but not since 1623 has there been a “great conjunction” or “appulse” this close.
Even more impressively, not since 1226 has such a sight been this easily observable. To see the two planets just 0.06ยบ apart have a look to the southwest immediately after sunset. Don’t waste any time they’ll be sinking towards the horizon.
Why does it happen on the exact date of the solstice? That’s essentially a celestial coincidence, though an inevitable one given the long-term celestial mechanics at play.
You don´t really need any special equipment but if you have binoculars they help!
The blog song for today is "Starman" by David Bowie
TTFN
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