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Jupiter and Saturn will be visibly closer for first time in 800 years

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Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will occur during the winter solstice

Jupiter and Saturn have gradually been moving closer to each other. They are closing in on what astronomers call the ‘great conjunction’ on the day of the solstice, December 21, 2020. At their closest, the solar system’s two largest planets will be only 0.1 degrees apart. But they are already wondrously super close, so look to the sky anytime now.

According to EarthSky, any time planets or other objects meet in the sky it is referred to a conjunction, which is why when the two largest objects get together it is referred to as a great conjunction.

EarthSky,org illustrates how in December Jupiter and Saturn will get closer and closer. From December 16-25, 2020, the 2 hug planets will be separated by less than a full-moon diameter, just as the moon is passing close. Jupiter shines 12 times brighter than Saturn but both will appear super bright. Diagram by EarthSky.org

The orbits of Jupiter and Saturn align every 20 years with the last one taking place in the year 2000. This happens because Jupiter orbits the sun every 12 years, while Saturn’s orbit takes 30 years — so every couple of decades, Jupiter laps Saturn, according to NASA. Astronomers say that during the 2020 great conjunction, Jupiter and Saturn will be the closest since 1623 and the ‘closest observable’ since March 4, 1226.

They will be so close together that they are expected to appear as a long wide star. Although, while the two planets or double-planet may appear to to be extremely close, in reality, NASA says they are still hundreds of millions of miles apart.

The two magnificent planets will not appear as close again until March 15, 2080.

Where to look for Jupiter and Saturn during the ‘Great Conjunction’

Although it is hard not to miss, to view Jupiter cosying up to Saturn look to the west each night and they will be the especially brightest and largest objects you will see. According to NASA the great conjunction will be super visible shortly after sunset. NASA also says you will need to look fast as both planets will set shortly after sunset. They will be low in the southwestern sky, as viewed from the Northern hemisphere. Saturn will be the further east planet and the two together will emit a consistent brightness as opposed to twinkling like stars.

by TO Times Staff

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