Utahns are incredibly lucky to have some absolutely amazing views of the heavens. Thanks to our 15 International Dark Sky Parks, we can see millions of stars glimmering above us.
In December, 2020, we’ll be treated to a truly special sight in the skies above – a Christmas star! You’ll want to make plans now to catch sight of it.
The 2020 “Christmas Star” will be visible throughout the United States, starting around December 15th. This stunning, heavenly beauty isn’t actually a star - it’s two planets that will be closely aligned.
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On the Winter Solstice - December 21st - Jupiter and Saturn will appear to merge together due to their alignment with the Earth. The two bright planets will be just .1 degree from each other in the sky, close enough to see both in a telescope’s field of view.
swkunst/iStock via Getty Images In reality, Jupiter and Saturn will still be hundreds of millions of miles apart - they’ll just appear to be close to one another, due to their alignment with Earth.
Astronomers are calling this once-in-a-lifetime event the “Great Conjunction.” The last time it occurred was 1226 A.D., around the time of Genghis Khahn! Some of us will still be alive to see the next Great Conjunction in 2080.
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You’ll be able to see the Christmas Star from just about everywhere in the state, but to best view this stunning event, find yourself a nice, dark place without any light pollution.
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Luckily, Utah is home to 15 International Dark Sky Parks, which are all well-known for their star-lit skies. About 45 minutes before sunset, look toward the moon, and you’ll see the two bright planets appear as one right above the horizon.
Scott Book/500px via Getty Images Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks include: Antelope Island State Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, North Fork Park, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Steinaker State Park, and the town of Torrey.
Scientists believe that the Star of David, which is said to have appeared on the evening of Christ’s birth, was actually a Great Conjunction, when Venus and Jupiter aligned closely to appear as one star. It’s the reason we all top our Christmas trees with a star today!
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Will you be making plans to see the Christmas star on December 21st? Tag the loved ones you want to join you for a stargazing party!
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In reality, Jupiter and Saturn will still be hundreds of millions of miles apart - they’ll just appear to be close to one another, due to their alignment with Earth.
Cavan Images via Getty Images
Brendon Porter/EyeEm via Getty Images
Scott Book/500px via Getty Images
Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks include: Antelope Island State Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, North Fork Park, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Steinaker State Park, and the town of Torrey.
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For other ways to celebrate the season this year, check out this fairlyland of lights at the Utah State Fairpark, and dine in an alpenglobe in the charming town of Midway.
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Address: Utah, USA
