It looks like 2020 will end on a bright note! A celestial event not seen in 800 years will appear on Dec. 21st and Arkansans will have a front-row seat. The planetary alignment dubbed the Christmas Star will be visible just after sunset. Let’s look up and learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime happening.
This month Jupiter and Saturn will appear to form one super-sized “star”.
Getty Images/ Vidmar Fernandes The two planets will be within a 0.1 degree of each other (from our perspective) creating a shining point in the night sky. This close alignment hasn’t happened since King Henry III and Genghis Khan were on our planet - in 1226 AD!
Although these are closely aligning planets, the occurrence has been dubbed the “Christmas Star.”
Getty Images/Rawpixel This is mainly because the event coincides so closely to Christmas. Interestingly enough, some astronomers do believe the Star of Bethlehem was actually a similar planetary alignment but with Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus. The technical term for this occurrence is called a great conjunction.
The planets will be the most visible just after sunset.
Getty Images/ Vamsi Krishna Korabathina / 500px You’ll be able to spot them if you look towards the horizon facing southwest. The shining ball on the left side will be Jupiter, with Saturn on the right.
The best place to see this shining “star” will be away from any light pollution.
Getty Images/ benjaminjk Luckily, Arkansans have the only Dark Sky Park in the south - the Buffalo National River! You can learn about the details of what makes a Dark Sky Park by reading this article.
It may be a bit too cold to pitch a tent but this would be a good excuse to book a secluded cabin.
Flickr/subarurally You might as well see if there are any available spots at your favorite state park. Some of our favorite remote cabins in the state can be found at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.
This is one unprecedented 2020 event we can all actually look forward to experiencing!
Flickr/risingthermals Just be sure to look up after sunset on the 21st!
Are you planning on staying up to see this celestial event? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Getty Images/ Vidmar Fernandes
The two planets will be within a 0.1 degree of each other (from our perspective) creating a shining point in the night sky. This close alignment hasn’t happened since King Henry III and Genghis Khan were on our planet - in 1226 AD!
Getty Images/Rawpixel
This is mainly because the event coincides so closely to Christmas. Interestingly enough, some astronomers do believe the Star of Bethlehem was actually a similar planetary alignment but with Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus. The technical term for this occurrence is called a great conjunction.
Getty Images/ Vamsi Krishna Korabathina / 500px
You’ll be able to spot them if you look towards the horizon facing southwest. The shining ball on the left side will be Jupiter, with Saturn on the right.
Getty Images/ benjaminjk
Luckily, Arkansans have the only Dark Sky Park in the south - the Buffalo National River! You can learn about the details of what makes a Dark Sky Park by reading this article.
Flickr/subarurally
You might as well see if there are any available spots at your favorite state park. Some of our favorite remote cabins in the state can be found at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.
Flickr/risingthermals
Just be sure to look up after sunset on the 21st!
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