Think 2020 has been the darkest year for decades? A celestial event occurring just four days before Christmas this year may make you rethink that position. On the evening of December 21, 2020, and just after sunset, the Star of Bethlehem will light up the sky over North Carolina in a display that hasn’t been seen from the Tar Heel State for 800 years.
Eight long centuries have passed since two planets (Jupiter and Saturn) were as closely aligned as they will be on December 21st.
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And no matter where you are in the Tar Heel State at the time, you’ll have a front row seat for the magical show high in the sky.
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From the beaches to the mountains, the Star of Bethlehem will shine bright over North Carolina this year.
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Also known as the “Christmas Star,” the phenomenon occurs when Jupiter and Saturn pass so closely to one another that they actually appear as one giant star (when if fact they are planets).
Mark Newman / The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images The Star of Bethlehem is described in the Gospel of Matthew as being the light that guided the three wise men to Jerusalem.
It’s also said to be the inspiration for hundreds of thousands (maybe millions?) of stars placed atop Christmas trees around the world each year.
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Where will you be on the evening of December 21, 2020?
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Will you carve out some time to go outside to witness the Christmas Star (Star of Bethlehem) for yourself and your family to see? The year 2020 was a real mess, but somehow, if we get to see the Star of Bethlehem this Christmas… things may seem to be right again, if only until the sun rises.
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The Star of Bethlehem is described in the Gospel of Matthew as being the light that guided the three wise men to Jerusalem.
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For additional fun ways to enjoy the season this year in North Carolina, go snow tubing at Hawksnest and be sure to take a Christmas decorations tour of the Biltmore!
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