“Some are greater than others because their elliptical orbits do not always bring them as close together from our perspective on Earth.”
The last great conjunction was in May 2000. Then, Saturn and Jupiter appeared to be two full-moon widths apart. This time around, they’re expected to appear much closer, separated by the thickness of a dime held at arm’s length.
“Another grand feature of this upcoming great conjunction is that it is taking place on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere, so, weather permitting, it should be visible to many. It should be visible in the southwest sky between Capricornus and Sagittarius, not too far above the horizon,” added Dr. Spencer.
“While both are visible to the naked eye, one should be able to see Jupiter’s Galilean moons and a faint glimpse of Saturn’s rings with good binoculars.”
The last great conjunction as close and as visible as this year’s happened almost 800 years ago in March of 1226.
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See the Christmas star: rare celestial event to occur on the Winter Solstice - Lethbridge News Now
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