The 2020 Christmas season is not only peculiar because it will be marked by the new coronavirus, lockdowns, and meeting restrictions. It will also be remembered by the return of the star of bethlehem, which is not actually a specific star, but an astronomical event.
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It is about the approach of Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system. This phenomenon is called conjunction and, as some astronomers have explained, it could be the same as that referenced in the Bible.
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The story tells that the three wise men, Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, followed the star of Bethlehem to find Jesus in his place of birth.
Although it has been said that this only occurs every 800 years, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States (NASA) pointed out that this type of event occurs every 20 years. However, this one is special, because it is a particularly large conjunction and will not be seen for another 60 years.
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From Earth, Jupiter and Saturn will look so close that they will appear like a ‘double planet’ system, as reported by Nasa.
According to that entity, both planets have been traveling together in the sky during this year. Only in December they will get close enough to produce a beautiful astronomical spectacle.
How to see it?
NASA points out that in the first three weeks of December it has been possible to observe the journey that the two planets have made. But nevertheless, reported that the day that will be seen more clearly is next December 21.
On that date the two huge planets will only be one tenth of a degree apart. That is, from our perspective they will be at a distance similar to the thickness of a coin, NASA warned.Both will be visible next to their moons and will be so close that Saturn can appear like a satellite of Jupiter.
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Image of the exact point where the phenomenon will be glimpsed, according to NASA.
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According to NASA, during these days of December, and with more emphasis on the 21st, both planets can be observed. “Look for them in the southwest in the hour after sunset,” the entity said. “They will be visible in the same field of view through binoculars or a small telescope,” he added.
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It must be said that it is necessary for the sky to be clear, as clouds can make it difficult to see the sky. NASA recommended “finding a place with a clear view.”
Also, remember to look for a place without much lighting, because from places with too much light pollution (especially in large cities) you cannot see the night sky well.
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