When we have questions, look to the stars for answers.

At least that’ what our Mayan, Egyptian, and even Mesopotamian ancestors believed. They celebrated the cosmic power of our galaxies’ planets to create earthly shifts and influence people’s thoughts and behaviors.

Fast forward hundreds of years into the future to the invention of the modern telescope. The possibility to study planetary motions and patterns launched the basis of belief from cosmology to the scientific platform of astronomy.

Now, we have gigantic machines like the Hubble Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope that have been able to take our study of space and planets to uncharted new territories. As you can see, our modern perspective on space has changed dramatically since the origin of our existence

What does that mean for us this crazy year?

It means we’ve been able to predict the next time Jupiter and Saturn will come close to each other for the first time in 20 years.

Mark your calendars. On December 21^st, 2020, Jupiter and Saturn will appear to look closer to each other than almost ever before. It is a rare phenomenon that hasn’t occurred since May of 2000, but not of this magnitude since roughly 1623 CE!

“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” said Patrick Hartigan, a Rice University astronomer. “You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”

The two planets have been inching closer to each other since the summer. The period from December 16^th-25^th will be the observed time period to catch these two by a separation of less than the diameter of a full moon.

Note that an additional celestial body, the waxing crescent Long Night moon, will be present to join Jupiter and Saturn. Its presence can be recognized by the streaks of light in the background. It adds a special flare unlike any conjunction seen before.

“On the evening of closest approach on December 21 they will look like a double planet, separated by only 1/5th the diameter of the full moon,” said Hartigan, a professor of physics and astronomy. “For most telescope viewers, each planet and several of their largest moons will be visible in the same field of view that evening.”

This is every space fan’s dream.

The fact that both the planets will look double in size and both will be visible points towards great signs for anyone trying to enjoy the show. The following image displays how the planets will look relative to their moons in the field of vision.

Jupiter and Saturn, along with their moons, will be close enough in which you can easily fit within the same field-of-view of a telescope eyepiece (simulated above). You can also view the celestial bodies with a pair of binoculars or with just your naked eyes.

“By the time skies are fully dark in Houston, for example, the conjunction will be just 9 degrees above the horizon,” Hartigan said. “Viewing that would be manageable if the weather cooperates and you have an unobstructed view to the southwest.”

The universe is a truly special place. Events such as the “great conjunction” treat us to a cosmic show that will renew our sense of wonder once more.

Don’t forget to watch the viewing of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction at 6 p.m. CST, December 21, 2020.

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Article Sources:

Astroasheville

Scitechdaily

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By Jonathan Arrastia

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Jonathan Arrastia resides in Miami, Florida. He is a contributing writer for Shareably and enjoys walks, playing basketball, and creating art projects.