ENID, OK - Get outside on Monday night, December 21, for a truly rare astronomical event. The planets, Jupiter and Saturn, will align in what NASA has called the "great conjunction."
Jupiter and Saturn align in the sky once every two decades, according to NASA. But it's been nearly 400 years since the two planets will appear this close to each other in the night sky. To the planet earth, it'll look like they're a tenth of a degree apart.
This "great conjunction" occurred in July, 1623 but at that time it was impossible for viewers to see because it happened so close to the position of the sun.
This 2020 conjunction is special because it's been nearly 800 years since this Jupiter and Saturn's alignment occurred at night — which means we'll be able to see it happen. This will be a very rare event for devoted skywatchers.
With your unaided eye, you'll be able to see the planets very close together, even though in actuality they're millions of miles apart in space. Find an unobstructed view of the sky, such as at a park or field. Jupiter and Saturn are so bright that you'll be able to view the conjunction from most cities.
To see this wonder, look at the sky in the southwest direction an hour after sunset. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.
If you have binoculars or a telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter's four large moons!
This type of event typically may occur just once in any one person's lifetime. A conjunction this close won't occur again until 2080 — so set your timer for an hour after sunset Monday night.
