December 21 is always a notable day – the winter solstice is a time when many celebrate a new season and the shortest day of the year (it’s all uphill from there, for those of us who like daylight!). This year, though, stargazers and astronomers are counting down the days until the 21st for a different reason. For the first time in eight centuries, the Christmas Star will appear in the sky!
On December 21, Delawareans will be able to see a rare sight when the “Christmas Star” appears over Delaware in the night sky.
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images The evening of the solstice will bring the near merger of Jupiter and Saturn, as visible from Earth.
When Jupiter and Saturn align, you’ll be able to see a remarkably bright spot in the sky!
Vidmar Fernandes / 500 px Collection via Getty Images To get an idea of how close Jupiter and Saturn will appear to be in the sky, stick your fist out at arm’s length towards the sky. The width of your fist is ten degrees - and the planets will be less than .1 degrees apart!
You won’t need a telescope to see the Christmas Star, but if you’ve got one, you’ll get an amazing view.
Flickr / Christopher Mooney A great conjunction like this hasn’t been observed since 1623, and the two largest planets haven’t been this close since 1226! If you miss it this year, you’ll have to wait until 2080 for a chance to spot it again.
If you’ve ever wondered why those who celebrate Christmas top their trees with a star, well, now you know!
Flickr / Mark Crossifled The alignment and the bright “star” it causes is said to be the phenomenon that guided the three wise men to Bethlehem.
Head to the beaches or the bay to see it under some of the darkest skies in Delaware.
Flickr / cielli The evening of the solstice is the longest night of the year, so you’ve got plenty of time to see it!
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images
The evening of the solstice will bring the near merger of Jupiter and Saturn, as visible from Earth.
Vidmar Fernandes / 500 px Collection via Getty Images
To get an idea of how close Jupiter and Saturn will appear to be in the sky, stick your fist out at arm’s length towards the sky. The width of your fist is ten degrees - and the planets will be less than .1 degrees apart!
Flickr / Christopher Mooney
A great conjunction like this hasn’t been observed since 1623, and the two largest planets haven’t been this close since 1226! If you miss it this year, you’ll have to wait until 2080 for a chance to spot it again.
Flickr / Mark Crossifled
The alignment and the bright “star” it causes is said to be the phenomenon that guided the three wise men to Bethlehem.
Flickr / cielli
The evening of the solstice is the longest night of the year, so you’ve got plenty of time to see it!
To find the darkest skies in Delaware, use the Dark Site Finder map. Sussex County’s beaches tend to be particularly bright, and Brandywine Creek State Park’s Hawk Watch Parking Lot is a great place to stargaze.
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