On the evening of December 17, 2020, a captivating alignment graced the night sky as the Moon, Saturn, and Jupiter, with the Washington Memorial set as a backdrop, provided a spectacular celestial show. Saturn was positioned above and to the left of Jupiter, which shone brightly lower right. This event was a precursor to the much-anticipated “great conjunction” on December 21, where the two gas giants were a mere tenth of a degree apart in the sky’s dome.
Such great conjunctions occur once every 20 years due to the orbital mechanics of these distant worlds; Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun takes 12 years, while Saturn’s orbit is a longer journey of 30 years. This orbital dance aligns them in the Earth’s sky with seeming proximity at these regular intervals.
The conjunction of 2020 held an extra significance. It had been nearly 400 years since Jupiter and Saturn appeared so close to each other, a juxtaposition not witnessed since 1623.
To enhance your stargazing experiences and acquire valuable tips, interested viewers can explore NASA’s What’s Up feature.
Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
FAQs about The Great Conjunction
Q: What is the Great Conjunction?
A: The Great Conjunction refers to the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn in the Earth’s sky, appearing very close to each other due to their respective orbital paths.
Q: How often does this event occur?
A: Great conjunctions between Jupiter and Saturn occur approximately every 20 years.
Q: Why was the Great Conjunction of 2020 special?
A: The 2020 conjunction was exceptional because the two planets had not appeared that close in the sky since 1623.
Q: Where can I find tips for skywatching?
A: You can visit NASA’s What’s Up page for skywatching tips and information.
Conclusion
The celestial ballet that brings Jupiter and Saturn into great conjunctions captivates both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers alike. The 2020 event was particularly historic given its rarity, serving as a reminder of the vast and dynamic nature of our solar system. With the help of resources like NASA’s skywatching guide, everyone can look forward to future celestial events with anticipation and wonder.
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