This month, stargazers will get the chance to view a truly once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. It’s being called a “Christmas Star” although, in fact, the unique event is the result of the two largest planets in the solar system aligning closely together. The incredible phenomenon will take place on December 21, 2020, so mark your calendars and scroll on for everything you need to know about this month’s Christmas Star!
Add some magic to your holiday season and remember to look up at the night sky on the evening of the winter solstice. On December 21, 2020, a “Christmas Star” will light up the sky, and it’s not to be missed.
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Although referred to as a Christmas Star, the unique event is actually the result of Jupiter and Saturn “colliding” together. A conjunction between the two planets happens roughly every 20 years, but this year will be the closest they’ve been since the Middle Ages.
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The resulting “double planet” will appear as one large, super-bright star in the sky. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, as the last time something like this happened was on March 4, 1226.
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It’s being called a Christmas Star both due to its proximity to the Christian holiday, and also because researchers theorize that the Star of Bethlehem that’s mentioned in the bible was, in fact, a rare conjunction between Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus.
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You won’t need any special equipment to view this incredible celestial occurrence. Simply look up to the sky shortly after sunset on December 21, but act quickly, as it will only be visible for an hour or so.
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A conjunction like this isn’t expected to occur again until March 15, 2080, so definitely don’t miss the Christmas Star this month!
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Are you excited to witness the Christmas Star later this month? It’s pretty amazing we get to witness such an incredible event! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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