saturn-jupiter – Contemplation

Monday the 21st of December 2020, is the Winter Solstice. A solstice is an event that occurs when the Sun appears to reach its most northerly or southerly excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere. Two solstices occur annually, around June 21 and December 21.

This year on the same date, the 21st of December, we are going to witness a Great Conjunction. A great conjunction is a conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, when the two planets appear closest together in the sky.

How often do these two planets come as close as that? Some websites say it has been nearly 400 years, while others say it’s been almost 800 years. Indeed, the last time these two planets appeared so close was on July 16, 1623, when they were only 5 arc minutes apart — that’s actually 397 years ago.

The last time most of the world’s population had a favorable view of these two planets coming so close to each other was on March 5, 1226, when they were even closer together (just 2 arc minutes) compared to what we will see on Dec. 21.

So, this year right after sunset, we should be able to get a decent view of this Great Conjunction without the need for a telescope or binoculars. I hope everyone can have a clear sky and the ability to witness such a special celestial event.