Jupiter and Saturn Align into a “Christmas Star”
This year’s Winter Solstice falls on December 21, 2020. Winter Solstice marks the start of the Winter season.
In the Northern hemisphere, the days are the shortest, nights are the longest, and the sun reaches the lowest elevation of the year. The word solstice comes from the Latin word “solstitium” which means “sun stands still”. This is also when the earth is closest to the sun.
We are in for a special treat this year! Jupiter and Saturn will be closer together in the Earth’s night sky than any time since the Middle Ages (the year 1226)! The alignment of the two planets occurs once every 20 years but this year they are so close that they can be seen together with the naked eye near the Western horizon (barring clouds in the sky). Together they will look like one big bright “Christmas Star.”
Got a telescope or a pair of binoculars? With a clear sky, you can see both planets and their moons at the same time!
For more space news, visit KC AstroNews.
Alex Kahl is an experienced international consultant, software developer, and technical project manager with a deep background in environmental auditing and green financing. In 1996, he founded Kahl Consultants, a solar-powered, certified green agency providing eco-friendly web development and digital marketing services to small businesses and nonprofits. Beyond his professional work, he is a dedicated community leader in Marin County who organizes the monthly Marin Green Drinks mixer and volunteers for local environmental restoration projects.