Tonight (12/21), if the sky is clear enough, we will get to see the Christmas Star for the first time in 800 years.
In reality it is not really a star that we will be seeing. It is called the “Great Conjunction” of planets. The two largest planets in our solar system will line-up at the closest positions possible. Jupiter and Saturn will appear so close together in the sky that they can appear to be a single, bright star in the heavens.
This special treat will take place in the sky to the southwest just above the horizon. Make sure to look for it early. It will be able to be viewed for just a short time if the sky is clear enough. The “Great Conjunction” will appear shortly after sunset and remain visible until the two planets sink below the horizon a couple of hours after sunset.
The night will include a couple of more things that will make it special. It is the December solstice. That is the official beginning of winter and the mark when sunset begins to get later and later each day moving toward spring.
The Ursids meteor shower will also be at its peak tonight. While not a very strong meteor shower, you may see a few “shooting stars” while looking for the “Christmas Star” in the evening sky.
I love the fact that this is a celestial event that you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to see.
By: Buck Stevens
