The Great Conjunction: Happy Solstice!

As most of you likely know already, Jupiter and Saturn will align tonight, providing a spectacle in the sky for those with a view unimpaired by cloudy weather. While these planets appear to pass in close proximity (relative to our view from Earth) every twenty years, it has been four centuries since they appeared this close and eight since they were this close at night.

As a bonus, this conjunction coincides with the winter solstice.

For those lacking a clear view of the southwestern skies, the Griffith Observatory (above) and NASA, among others, will be broadcasting the view.

Needless to say, many people have dubbed the event the “Christmas Star” or the “Star of Bethlehem.”

5 replies on “The Great Conjunction: Happy Solstice!”

      • Yeah, I went back and caught a video, but at that point you can just watch videos from satellites around the planets, so it really misses that “real” feel.

        Earlier this summer, we got the telescope out and found Jupiter and Saturn, and I was awestruck because our consumer home model was strong enough that we could make out rings, moons, and even the clouds on Jupiter.

        • Exactly. But we did get a good view of the two planets and the moon earlier this month. They weren’t too close together yet, but it was pretty impressive just the same,

  1. We actually had clear skies and we broke out the binoculars for a view. It was pretty cool. If it weren’t for the increasing light pollution, I’d invest in a decent telescope.

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