While 2020 has been anything but easy, it seems there may be something bright to look forward to on the evening of December 21st, also known as the Winter Solstice. Amidst the darkest day of the year – and arguably, the darkest year of the decade – we’ll be graced with a magnificent Christmas Star. It’s a phenomenon that hasn’t been observed in 800 years, and you’ll want to mark your calendar.
The Christmas Star, also referred to as the Star of Bethlehem, is a phenomenon that occurs when the planets of Jupiter and Saturn are so closely aligned that they appear to be one giant star from our perspective.
Vidmar Fernandes / 500px / Getty Images In other words, this “star” is actually our perspective of two planets drawing closer to each other. What’s all the more fascinating is that they’ll still be hundreds of millions of miles apart.
It’s been 800 years since this event occurred, and it will likely be a long time before it happens again. It’s believed that a similar event is what guided the three wise men in the Gospel of Matthew to Jerusalem.
Xuanyu Han / The Image Bank / Getty Images Around 2,000 years ago, the Star of Bethlehem was likely the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter; not Jupiter and Saturn as will be the case in 2020.
It’s also believed that the star that tops many a Christmas tree is a nod to the celestial Christmas Star.
Siobhan H Photography / Moment / Getty Images
The best part of all is that the star will be visible from anywhere in Virginia. The trick will be to find a place without much light pollution and wait for the sun to set.
Mensent Photography / Getty Images
And given that it’s December 21st, the shortest day of the year, you won’t have to wait long! The sun will set at approximately 4:55 p.m. EST. You’ll also want to look closely because the planets will set shortly thereafter.
Xuanyu Han/ Getty Images
So if you’re eager to see something truly magical, prepare to be dazzled by the 2020 Christmas Star.
Kritsada Kata / Getty Images
Do you plan on looking for the Christmas Star on December 21st? Let us know in the comments!
Vidmar Fernandes / 500px / Getty Images
In other words, this “star” is actually our perspective of two planets drawing closer to each other. What’s all the more fascinating is that they’ll still be hundreds of millions of miles apart.
Xuanyu Han / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Around 2,000 years ago, the Star of Bethlehem was likely the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter; not Jupiter and Saturn as will be the case in 2020.
Siobhan H Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Mensent Photography / Getty Images
Xuanyu Han/ Getty Images
Kritsada Kata / Getty Images
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