For astronomers, stargazers, and anyone who likes when the days begin to get longer, the Winter Solstice is a reason to celebrate. This year, though, the traditional holiday takes a back seat to a rare phenomenon known as the Christmas Star. For the first time in eight centuries, you’ll be able to see Jupiter and Saturn nearly perfectly in line.
Beginning on December 15, Jupiter and Saturn will star to align for a phenomenon that peaks on December 21 - the conjunction of the planets that’s known as the Christmas Star.
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images While the planets will still be millions of miles apart, they’ll appear, from Earth, to be practically on top of each other. They’re at their closest on the night of the solstice.
This extra-bright star is part of religious legend tied to Christmas - according to some accounts, it is this bright “star” that led the three wise men to Jersusalem.
Flickr / Mark Crossfield If you’ve ever wondered why the traditional tree topper is a star, well, now you know!
The planets haven’t been this close together in nearly 800 years - so the Christmas Star is quite the rare treat.
Vidmar Fernandes / 500 px Collection via Getty Images To get an idea of how close Jupiter and Saturn will appear to be in the sky, stick your fist out at arm’s length towards the sky. The width of your fist is ten degrees - and the planets will be less than .1 degrees apart!
Star chasers are used to spotting Jupiter - it’s what guides astrophotographers to the Milky Way in the summer months, because it rises before the galaxy.
Flickr / Jeremy Thies Unfortunately, we’re just past Milky Way season in Wyoming. You’ll still be treated to a bright sky of stars if it’s a clear night!
While it’s pretty easy to find dark skies in Wyoming, if you really want to see this phenomenon, head to a national forest for some winter camping.
Flickr / Subarually Bundle up! Winter camping in Wyoming is only recommended for experienced adventurers.
Find your best stargazing spot by checking the Dark Site Finder map, and make plans to keep your eyes on the skies the evening of the winter solstice, when the Christmas Star will be visible.
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images
While the planets will still be millions of miles apart, they’ll appear, from Earth, to be practically on top of each other. They’re at their closest on the night of the solstice.
Flickr / Mark Crossfield
If you’ve ever wondered why the traditional tree topper is a star, well, now you know!
Vidmar Fernandes / 500 px Collection via Getty Images
To get an idea of how close Jupiter and Saturn will appear to be in the sky, stick your fist out at arm’s length towards the sky. The width of your fist is ten degrees - and the planets will be less than .1 degrees apart!
Flickr / Jeremy Thies
Unfortunately, we’re just past Milky Way season in Wyoming. You’ll still be treated to a bright sky of stars if it’s a clear night!
Flickr / Subarually
Bundle up! Winter camping in Wyoming is only recommended for experienced adventurers.
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