There’s no denying that this has been a pretty tough year for many. Luckily, we’re about to end the year with a glimmer of hope. On December 21, the solstice will bring more than the beginning of winter. For the first time in centuries, we’ll get a glimpse of what is known as the Christmas Star.
The Montana night sky is perfect for viewing these phenomenons.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr If you can get to a stretch of big, open sky without much artificial light, you’ll be able to enjoy a great view.
So… what is the Christmas Star, exactly?
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr It’s actually not a star at all. It’s Jupiter and Saturn aligning just right with Earth so that they appear to merge together as one bright beam of light.
Beginning on December 15th, we’ll be able to see the two planets get closer and closer together.
sololos/E+ Collection / Getty Images While the planets are actually millions of miles apart, they will appear to merge.
Then, on December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will be just one degree apart.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection / Getty Images That’s less than 1/5th the diameter of the moon.
To say this is a rare occurrence is a huge understatement.
swkunst/iStock / Getty Images The last time the Christmas Star was visible to us on Earth was 1226 A.D. The reason for the Christmas Star nickname is because experts believe the real star of Bethlehem that’s referred to in the Christian Bible was, in fact, a rare conjunction between Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter.
To see this amazing phenomenon, you’ll want to look at the night sky about an hour after sunset. That’s when visibility is the highest.
Eugene Wilson / Flickr If you miss it, you won’t have the chance to see it again until March of 2080.
After this tumultuous year, we could certainly use a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Christmas Star!
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
If you can get to a stretch of big, open sky without much artificial light, you’ll be able to enjoy a great view.
It’s actually not a star at all. It’s Jupiter and Saturn aligning just right with Earth so that they appear to merge together as one bright beam of light.
sololos/E+ Collection / Getty Images
While the planets are actually millions of miles apart, they will appear to merge.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection / Getty Images
That’s less than 1/5th the diameter of the moon.
swkunst/iStock / Getty Images
The last time the Christmas Star was visible to us on Earth was 1226 A.D. The reason for the Christmas Star nickname is because experts believe the real star of Bethlehem that’s referred to in the Christian Bible was, in fact, a rare conjunction between Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter.
Eugene Wilson / Flickr
If you miss it, you won’t have the chance to see it again until March of 2080.
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