Coming soon: First ‘Christmas star’ in 800 years

Two giant planets of our solar system Jupiter and Saturn are set to create a “Christmas star” with a dramatic close encounter that has not been seen from Earth in nearly 800 years. The solar system’s two largest planets will appear to merge, creating a bright point in the sky on 21 December, 2020.

During the early evening of December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice, skywatchers will be treated with Christmas Star. The two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, will reach their greatest conjunction when they will be a mere 1/10 of a degree apart and will give an impression of bright star in the sky.

The dramatic close encounter of Jupiter and Saturn and creation of “Christmas star” that has not been seen from Earth in nearly 800 years. The last time the two giant planets appeared so close was in 1623 – but astronomers say the stargazing conditions at the time and position of the sun meant it was most likely not seen. It was 1226 when such a “Great Conjunction” was observable with the naked eye, according to EarthSky. The next chance for people to enjoy the “Christmas star” will be in 2080.

How to watch:

Talking to TheBrew, Dubai astronomy group CEO- Hasan Al Hariri said that this conjunction will create a bright object in the sky, but to experience this life time opportunity, you need to have a good quality telescope. Jupiter and Saturn will be so close that they will be able to fit in the same telescopic field of view. That’s an incredibly rare occurrence.

Al Thuraya Astronomy Center is organizing a paid event for the public to get the best experience with high-tech telescopes and live streaming on screens. In UAE both the planets will set at 19:49 and we can start the observation only after sunset, so we have a limited time frame to enjoy this event. It is advisable for the public to book their slots online in advance.

Hasan Al Hariri added that this is a rare and beautiful astronomical phenomenon, which makes us more connected to the outer planets of our solar system, but there is no astrological significance or meaning of this great conjunction.