Next month we can spot a special phenomenon in the night sky. Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system, then line up for the eye. The last time we could actually observe was almost 800 years ago.
It happens more often, about once every twenty years, but we usually can’t see it, and rarely are the two planets aligned so precisely. “We only see one planet with the naked eye. We need binoculars or a telescope to be able to distinguish Jupiter and Saturn from each other, because they are so close to each other ”, science expert Martijn Peters explains to HLN.
“Jupiter and Saturn are actually still millions of kilometers apart, but from our observing position it seems as if they are merging into one planet,” explains Peters. It is called a conjunction.
It was on March 4, 1226 that it was last seen in this way. “This year is definitely a ‘once in a lifetime’ event, although younger readers will have another chance in 2080, when the conjunction will be even more noticeable because it takes place higher then,” says Peters.
“We have to hope for a clear sky and the conjunction also takes place fairly low, so close to the horizon. This means that we have to choose an open space, without tall buildings obstructing the view. Our gaze must turn to the southwest. ” The peak of the conjunction can be seen on December 21, but the phenomenon can be observed throughout the week between December 17 and 25.
Bron (nen): HLN
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