On Monday night, Jupiter and Saturn appeared closer together from the perspective of Earth than at any time since 1226. The two planets were so close, they appeared to be touching, separated by one-fifth the diameter of a full moon.
To the naked eye they appear close, but in space, they’re still hundreds of millions of miles apart. When celestial bodies align, astronomers call it a conjunction, but since this one involves our solar system’s two biggest gas giants, it’s technically a “great conjunction.”
RELATED: Celestial event not seen since 1226 happening this month with amazing conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
Because the event landed on a holiday week — and on the winter solstice, no less — many have been calling the formation the “Christmas Star.” This event was visible to almost anyone in the U.S. with a clear view of the horizon.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
- Northern Lights could be seen in Wyoming, Nebraska this week
- The best meteor shower of the year started. Here are the best ways to watch.
- Celestial event not seen since 1226 happening this month with amazing conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
- Moderate risk of avalanches along Front Range on Saturday
- Can you travel to the mountains to hike, ski under the new COVID-19 restrictions?
Source: Read Full Article
Running USA survey finds that half of runners won't return to races
Brutal cartel ‘warriors’ threaten El Chapo’s gang in war for territory
Joe Biden on collision course with Germany as Merkel successor blamed US for funding ISIS
China to see expansion plans challenged as Joe Biden to launch charm offensive with Africa
Cops race to identify 19 charred bodies found in trucks amid cartel crime