2020 has certainly been a rough year, but there’s a glimmer of hope slated to appear in the skies above Oregon soon. The Christmas Star hasn’t been witnessed by humans since the year 1226 A.D., but it’s going to make an appearance on December 21st, and you won’t want to miss it!
The Christmas Star isn’t actually a star at all - it’s Jupiter and Saturn aligning just right with Earth so that they appear to merge together as one bright beacon of light.
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images You’ll be able to see the two planets starting on December 15th; they’ll appear to get closer and closer to each other over the next several days. In reality, the two planets of millions of miles apart - they just appear to merge due to their alignment.
On December 21st, which just happens to be Winter Solstice, the two planets will be just .1 degrees apart - less than 1/5th the diameter of the moon.
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Astronomers call this event The Great Conjunction, and the phenomenon is quite rare. The last time it was visible to Earth’s inhabitants was 1226 A.D. - the same time Ghengis Khan was alive.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images The next time this occurs will be in 2080, so many of us will be able to witness the Christmas Star twice during our lifetimes!
Whether you gaze heavenward from an Oregon forest…
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…or view this bright phenomenon from the coast, you’ll be able to witness it from anywhere in Oregon. You won’t even need a telescope to view the Great Conjunction - it will be visible to the naked eye.
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For the best possible glimpse of the Christmas Star, find a spot where the heavens are visible - far from artificial light pollution and haze. Watch the southwestern horizon right before dusk.
Photo by Ryan Claypool/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Will you be making plans to see the Christmas Star on December 21st? Tag the loved ones you want to stargaze with you!
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images
You’ll be able to see the two planets starting on December 15th; they’ll appear to get closer and closer to each other over the next several days. In reality, the two planets of millions of miles apart - they just appear to merge due to their alignment.
fishysam/iStock via Getty Images
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
The next time this occurs will be in 2080, so many of us will be able to witness the Christmas Star twice during our lifetimes!
swkunst/iStock via Getty Images
WestWindGraphics/iStock via Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Claypool/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Looking for another place to witness the beauty of the skies above Oregon? Visit this Hopservatory in Bend, where you can sip beer and stargaze!
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Address: Oregon, USA
