NASA calls the Christmas Star, “The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.” What is the Christmas Star? Why is it so important?
What is it?
What is known as the ‘Christmas Star’ “is an especially vibrant planetary conjunction easily visible in the evening sky as the bright planets Jupiter and Saturn come together, culminating on the night of Dec. 21.”
Henry Throop, astronomer in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington said, “You can imagine the solar system to be a racetrack, with each of the planets as a runner in their own lane and the Earth toward the center of the stadium. From our vantage point, we’ll be able to see Jupiter on the inside lane, approaching Saturn all month and finally overtaking it on December 21.”
History
In 1610 astronomer Galileo Galilei discovered four moons around Jupiter, and discovered the rings of Saturn. “These discoveries changed how people understood the far reaches of our solar system.”
Jupiter and Saturn travel together across the sky. In 1623, “Jupiter caught up to and passed Saturn, in an astronomical event known as a “Great Conjunction.”
Jupiter and Saturn regularly pass each other, every 20 years.
Why is today so important?
Yes, the planets do pass each other in the ‘solar system race track’ every 20 years, so what’s the big deal about today?
Well, the last time Jupiter and Saturn passed this close to each other was about 400 years ago. It has also been close to 800 years since this conjunction was at night for people to see. Tonight, both planets “will appear so close that a pinkie finger at arm’s length will easily cover both planets in the sky. The planets will be easy to see with the unaided eye by looking toward the southwest just after sunset.”
Why is the Christmas Star important this year?
This year has been a year of trial and tribulation for every one. Through the difficult times we have been through, seeing the Christmas Star can help remind us the reason for Christmas.
“As we near the end of a challenging year, one that may feel to many as a time of uncertainty and darkness, let us never forget that the light of hope still shines brightly.” said religious leader Russell M. Nelson
Pope Francis about Christmas time said, “They are symbols, or signs of hope, especially during this difficult time. No pandemic can turn off the Christmas light.”
What do you need to do to see the Christmas Star?
NASA has come up with 3 suggestions to help you be able to see this beautiful Christmas Star. They are;
- “Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park. Jupiter and Saturn are bright so they can be seen even from most cities.
- An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.
- The planets can be seen with an unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet.”
Enjoy the Christmas Star tonight, and have a Merry Christmas!
-CBM Pros