What a rough year 2020 has been. If only we had some sort of guiding light; a beacon of hope to usher in better days. That wish will become reality on December 21, when the Star of Bethlehem—or Jupiter and Saturn passing so close by one another, they appear as but one star—is set to rise over Arizona. This rare celestial phenomenon hasn’t been visible from Earth in nearly 800 years, and it promises a bright ending to the bleakest of years.
Just in time to spread some much needed holiday cheer, Jupiter and Saturn will illuminate the night sky in a rare spectacle on December 21.
Haitong Yu / Moment Collection / Getty Images The two gas giants are set to align this winter solstice, an infrequent event that already occurs just once every 20 years or so.
This particular conjunction is even more unusual, however, as the planets will appear closer together than in the past 800 years.
Misha Kaminsky / E+ Collection / Getty Images Less than 1/5 the diameter of a full moon, or 0.1 degrees, will separate them.
1623 is actually the last time Jupiter and Saturn came this close to one another, but their alignment wasn’t visible from Earth.
Dag Sundberg / The Image Bank Collection / Getty Images For that reason, astronomers are sticking with the 800-year gap, as a closer conjunction that humans could see hasn’t occurred since 1226.
Good news—you won’t need a telescope to view the conjunction.
Roman Makhmutov / Moment Collection / Getty Images Just head out to a remote location free of light pollution, tall buildings, or mountains, and look towards the lower southwestern horizon right after sunset.
The phenomenon will be visible from anywhere on Earth, so you’ll be able to see it just fine here in Arizona.
Eric Lowenbach / Moment Collection / Getty Images According to experts, being on time is key. The best view will be from dusk until 15-20 minutes after dark, so be sure and arrive at your destination before then.
Bring the whole family for a safe and memorable bonding experience.
ferrantraite / E+ Collection / Getty Images Not only is it a fun activity you can all do together, but the immersive nature of stargazing offers an unparalleled learning opportunity for the kiddos.
So, on the shortest day of the year, don’t forget to look skyward.
borchee / E+ Collection / Getty Images We can’t imagine a better way to end such a tumultuous season.
Do you plan on viewing the Christmas Star? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for more festive fun in Arizona to enjoy this holiday season.
Haitong Yu / Moment Collection / Getty Images
The two gas giants are set to align this winter solstice, an infrequent event that already occurs just once every 20 years or so.
Misha Kaminsky / E+ Collection / Getty Images
Less than 1/5 the diameter of a full moon, or 0.1 degrees, will separate them.
Dag Sundberg / The Image Bank Collection / Getty Images
For that reason, astronomers are sticking with the 800-year gap, as a closer conjunction that humans could see hasn’t occurred since 1226.
Roman Makhmutov / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Just head out to a remote location free of light pollution, tall buildings, or mountains, and look towards the lower southwestern horizon right after sunset.
Eric Lowenbach / Moment Collection / Getty Images
According to experts, being on time is key. The best view will be from dusk until 15-20 minutes after dark, so be sure and arrive at your destination before then.
ferrantraite / E+ Collection / Getty Images
Not only is it a fun activity you can all do together, but the immersive nature of stargazing offers an unparalleled learning opportunity for the kiddos.
borchee / E+ Collection / Getty Images
We can’t imagine a better way to end such a tumultuous season.
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