The “great conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn will make it possible for the Star of Bethlehem to be visible from Earth again 800 years later.
The year 2020 could not say goodbye without first surprising with another astronomical phenomenon that will occur after several centuries. During December, the famous Star of Bethlehem will once again be visible from Earth thanks to the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, which has not occurred for over 800 years.
Astronomers explain that Jupiter and Saturn have begun to approach each other since July, and during December the conjunction will fully be appreciated. This phenomenon will make it possible for the Star of Bethlehem, also known as the Christmas Star, to be visible after 800 years.
“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” explained Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan. “You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”
The Star of Bethlehem is the amazing result of the alignment of these planets. Throughout the year they appeared to be relatively close to each other and as the days go by, Jupiter and Saturn will reveal themselves at just 0.06 degrees with the entry of the winter solstice.
Johannes Kepler held the theory that the Star of Bethlehem cited in the New Testament with the Magi, was actually the “great alignment” between Jupiter and Saturn. The German astronomer even discovered that up to three planets could sometimes be aligned.
This phenomenon known as “triple conjunction” suggests that three planets can manage to coincide in their opposition to the Sun in the right ascension, and it usually occurs up to three times in an interval of two months. The last alignment of three planets occurred in 1981 and the next will be in the year 2238.
This year, the Star of Bethlehem wins the constellation prize since it will certainly brighten up 2020.
