Have You Heard About the Return of the Christmas Star?

Dear Enchanted One,

In case you haven’t heard, the legendary Christmas Star is set to make its appearance for the first time in centuries! The source of the star in the Biblical version of the one that guided the three wise men in Bethlehem, was most likely the Jupiter and Saturn conjunction. 

In 1623, the solar system’s two giant planets traveled together across the sky. Jupiter caught up to and passed Saturn, in an astronomical event known as the “Great Conjunction.” It’s been nearly 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night, as it will for 2020, allowing nearly everyone around the world to witness it. The next time these planets will be visible this close together in the night sky will be the year 2080.

On this Winter Solstice, Monday, December 21, 2020, the culmination will take place as the two planets will, once again, line up in the night sky. They are already on their way toward each other, so you don’t have to wait to see them.

What time can you see it? Experts say you have to wait until the sky is dark enough to see the planets. Sunset is around 5:30 p.m., so ideally between 5-7 p.m. Look south-west. Jupiter and Saturn will be low in the sky and will set quickly, so make sure you have a good view of the western horizon to catch them.

This, from NASA:
For those who would like to see this phenomenon for themselves, here’s what to do: 

-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 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 the 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.

Have fun! Stay warm and stay enchanted.