This Christmas, it seems that the heavens will be gifting us an anomalous astronomical event in what is commonly being referred to as the, ‘Christmas Star.’ The rarity of the event is best revealed in the way that a similar happenstance has not been readily observed since the middle ages.
Coincidentally enough, this particular happenstance in question will take place during our winter solstice, on the date December 21st, 2020. What stargazers and asters alike have termed as the Great Conjunction, speaking of this particular phenomenon regarding those two great planets in the night sky found in Saturn and Jupiter respectively.
On this date, as we turn our gaze to the cosmos, it will appear as if the two gas giants will emerge to become as one, or a kind of double planet if you will. This particular occurrence that takes place as the two planets is what astronomers refer to as a conjecture.
We can typically expect to see a conjecture of this similitude every twenty years or so, as the orbits of these planets and their respective moons occasionally align; making them seem relatively close together in the backdrop of the night sky. To this degree, we can expect that we will not see another most of a similar magnitude until as far as 2080.
What makes the Christmas Star so unique though, is found in this double planet aspect. The effect is the consequence of how the two planets, and with accompanying satellites will seem to overlap one another. This is the result of how the the two celestial bodies will only be separated by an infinitesimally small astrological measurement of around .1 degrees, thus generating for a sort of tremendously bright singular star effect. This astronomical unit is approximately the same size as one-fifth of that of our moon’s width.
A conjecture of this magnitude and likeness has not been seen since July of 1623. It is for this reason, coupled with how the two planets are the largest of our solar system. that this particular conjecture is being referred to as the great conjecture.
In a further debate on the issue, their is an argument that the closest Jupiter-Saturn conjecture was that of 1226, as far back as the middle ages. The thought behind this, is that in the case of the former event, that took place just fourteen years after Galileo’s telescope discovery, this phenomenon took place some 13 degrees due east of the location of the sun, making it nearly impossible for anyone to discern on their own accord. And on the issue of telescopes, the Christmas star, or similarly, the great conjecture will be so easily observable to us that it should easily been discernible through a mere telescope, or pair of binoculars. Not only that, but when set at the right adjustment, both Saturn and Jupiter should easily be made to fit in the same lens or scope. Not that they will be needed, because the marvel will be brighter than any star in the night sky. It is merely recommended due to the way that these instruments will also allow the viewer to see any one of Jupiter’s four moons in Callisto Europa, Ganymede, and Lo, and the wavering ripple as they slide in and our of each others alignment.
Further research yields that the reasoning behind the name the Christmas Star is one of biblical proportions. The thought behind this, is that it is the belief that the fabled star mentioned in reference to the star of Jerusalem would have taken place during a time and local that would have been idle for a similar Saturn-Jupiter conjecture, and that the star itself could have been that as the rare Christmas Star. For those in the States, the great conjecture should be observable at around 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. It should be noted that for those that want to see this once in a lifetime occasion, that they should do so early on, for it will quickly fade out beyond the horizon as rapidly as it came in.
In a related story, there is an emerging thought as it directly correlates with this great conjecture, and the fields that surround it. The belief is that at this time of the Saturn-Jupiter conjecture on the date in question in December 21st, 2020, that on a larger scale, this occurrence acts as the main event that signals the new age of Aquarius. And at the heart of this, it is expected that at this time, at around 6:22 p.m. that a tremendous surge of energy will should throughout the galaxy originating in the M87 galaxy of the Virgo Supercluster, bringing in the new energies associated with this new age in Aquarius, and that we will finally completed our transition out of the Age of Pisces.
For those interested in this celestial marvel, but that may not be familiar with how to identify them according, we’ve got you covered. Right after dark, Jupiter appears due south west just some twenty degrees above the horizon which is about the same if you were to take your middle and forefinger together, and place it above the horizon, Jupiter should just above them. Although this is for the most part unnecessary, because Jupiter easily shines brighter than any other celestial object in the sky. Typically speaking, Saturn, appear far less brighter due to the vast distance of space that separates the two planets is located slightly off to the side of Jupiter, but in this instance, it will appear as if the two have become as one, lighting up the night sky on the darkest and longest night of the year. And in the case of the great conjecture the optimal time would be in the hour just after sundown.
Again, this event is easily detectable by the naked eye, but it cannot be stressed enough as to how impressive this will appear from a strong telescope or pair of binoculars. From this vantage point, one will easily be able to see the various layers of Jupiter, and if it be strong enough, even that of the red dot of Jupiters infamous thousand year old storm. In the case of Saturn on the other hand, one would easily be able to make out it’s beautiful rings.
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