What is Jupiter Saturn Conjunction?
Jupiter Saturn conjunction, also known as the Christmas star is the meeting of the biggest planets of our solar system. A conjunction takes place when planets appear to come very close with each other in same lane with earth. Such conjunctions happen depending on the positions of planets in their orbits. This is the first time in 800 years since this will clearly be visible to the sky watchers. This happens every 20 years but the two planets have not been this close since 1623 and have gradually been coming towards each other over the past several weeks. Last of such event took place in 1226, when this conjunction was clearly visible from the Earth.
NASA reports that however close the planets may appear, they will still be hundreds of millions of miles apart in space. Since Jupiter and Saturn will appear brighter than usual, they will be easily seen from any city with clear skies.
Why it is Also Called the Christmas Star?
A biblical reference of the Three Wise Men and the star of Bethlehem have said to be a consequence of this Great conjunction. This idea was first put forth by a German astronomer, Johannes Kepler in the 17th century. Hence, it is called the Christmas star.
Because the planets will appear brighter, photographs can be captured easily. Camera with exposures ranging up to 10 seconds can capture the planets. In a lot of places the planets will appear not higher than 15° to 20° above the southwestern horizon. A 50mm lens on a full frame camera or a 35mm lens on a cropped frame camera will capture good photographs.
Observing The Miracle
- Step outside and gaze at the sky for some days to observe how the planets separate.
- Use binoculars for clearer visions.
- The color and intensity of the sky will change in a few hours which will provide you with both brighter and darker pictures.
- The crescent moon is said to pass by the Jupiter and Saturn some days before the great conjunction.
The great conjunction is a generational event which occurs three to four times in a lifetime. Preston Dyches, a writer and producer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a NASA video said that this ‘greatest’ great conjunction will not be witnessed for the next 60 years, till 2080.
I’m Ava Paul, an experienced news website author with a special focus on the entertainment section. Over the past five years, I have worked in various positions of media and communication at World Stock Market. My experience has given me extensive knowledge in writing, editing, researching and reporting on stories related to the entertainment industry.
