Only in Your State| New Mexico | Dec. 09, 2020 | Monica Spencer
It looks like 2020 is preparing to finish with a bang. In a year that darkened most plans and lives, the night skies in December will light up with some spectacular events. An annual meteor shower will occur mid-month during the new moon and an exceptionally rare “Christmas Star” is expected to shine bright just a few days later, starting on December 21st.
Dubbed by a number of people as the “Christmas Star” and the “Star of Bethlehem,” this celestial event doesn’t actually include stars at all. A bit ironic really.
Instead, it is the meeting of two planets; Jupiter and Saturn. More formally known as the Great Conjunction of 2020, this is when two of the largest planets in our solar system will appear close together to look like a massive star in the sky!
Technically, a Great Conjunction happens about every 20 years when Jupiter and Saturn pass during their orbits. However, it is not always visible. The last Great Conjunction took place in May 2000, but since it was so close to the sun, few people were able to observe or even notice it.
According to the EarthSky website, the last truly observable Great Conjunction that matched the magnitude of 2020’s was back in 1226, nearly 800 years ago. For a quick history refresher, Europe was still in its Medieval period and Genghis Khan was laying siege on China.
You’ll want to take advantage of seeing the conjunction this year; the next observable event won’t take place until March 2080, followed by a triple conjunction in 7541.
As for its nickname as the “Star of Bethlehem,” that isn’t just related to the cosmic event’s proximity to the Christmas holiday.
The 17th-century German astronomer Johannes Kepler theorized the star seen by the Magi was an occurrence of the Great Conjunction and even a supernova. Some modern astronomers suggest that based on ancient records, several conjunctions may have taken place between 6 and 2 BC, in addition to other cosmic events.
You can find this year’s conjunction in the lower southwestern sky on December 21 shortly after sunset. Set up a chair, grab some hot cocoa, and get ready to see a fascinating view!
The Great Conjunction—or, the Star of Bethlehem—will take place on the evening of December 21, 2020. It will be best visible in the southwestern sky approximately 45 minutes after sunset. For additional details about viewing the conjunction, or to learn more about the science behind this celestial event, visit the EarthSky website.
Don’t forget this isn’t the only show you’ll see in the skies this December! The Geminids meteor shower is taking place now through December 14 and this year is expected to be even more spectacular than in past years.
