Christmas Star Will Shine Over Texas For First Time In 800 Years

There’s no getting around the fact that 2020 has been a bleak year, and a rare celestial event taking place in a few weeks will add some much-needed brightness and hope. On December 21, the Star of Bethlehem – which is actually Jupiter and Saturn passing so close by one another that they appear to move as one – will rise over the Texas night sky. This “Christmas Star” hasn’t been visible from Earth in nearly 800 years!

Jupiter and Saturn align every two decades or so, and this year, the conjunction will occur on the winter solstice. For this reason, astronomers are calling the phenomenon a “Christmas Star.”

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The date isn’t all that makes this celestial event so rare. Even more unprecedented is the fact that only 1/5 the diameter of a full moon will separate the two planets.

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Such a close call (visible from Earth, anyway) hasn’t happened since Medieval times—1226, to be exact. That’s just shy of 800 years ago!

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The conjunction can be viewed from anywhere on Earth, so no matter where you are in Texas, turn your eyes to the skies on the night of December 21.

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You don’t even need a telescope! Just try to get away from city lights for the clearest, most unobstructed view.

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More important than pinning down a precise location is arriving on time. Peak conjunction is actually set to take place in the afternoon, but it won’t be visible to the naked eye during daylight.

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Don’t worry—the gas giants won’t have moved very much by sundown. Texans can enjoy the best view from dusk until about 15-20 minutes after nightfall.

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Saturn is further away from Earth than Jupiter, so looking too early risks missing it entirely. If you’re too late, however, both planets might have already dipped below the horizon.

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The next time such a close conjunction will occur is 2080, so this is the only chance for most families to view it together. What an incredible bonding activity!

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If you can’t get outside on the 21st, no worries. Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer together than the diameter of a full moon until Christmas Day. A merry and bright holiday, for sure!

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Will you be looking out for the Christmas Star? Let us know all about your plans in the comments, and check out our previous article for another family-friendly holiday activity you can’t miss this season.