On Monday night, a very rare celestial event occurs: Jupiter and Saturn align with what NASA calls “the great idea.”
Jupiter and Saturn align in the sky once every two decades, according to NASA. Why do they call this a great guess, then? For one, it is nearly 400 years since the two planets appeared so close to each other in space. To us, they seem to be a tenth step apart; NASA said a pink branch could cover both planets at arm’s length.
A “great controversy” took place in July 1623 but it was impossible for people to see because it was so close to the sun, according to the Associated Press.
That’s not all, though. This idea is so unique because it has been nearly 800 years since the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn took place at night – so this time, we’ll see it happen. “The rarest thing is the closest contact that happens in our sky during the night,” Vanderbilt University astronomy professor David Weintraub explained to AP.
The unsupported eye can see the planets very close to each other, even though they are actually millions of miles apart in space. NASA broke as you can see this event once in 800 years on Monday, December 21:
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Find an unobstructed view of the sky, like at a park. Don’t worry, there are city dwellers – Jupiter and Saturn are so clear, NASA makes it possible for you to see the view from most cities.
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Take a look at the skies to the southwest once after sunset. “Jupiter will look like a bright star and will be easy to see,” NASA explains. “Saturn will be a little tighter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will deliver it and turn back into position in the skies.”
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If you have a telescope or a telescope, you might see Jupiter’s four big branches!
“I think it’s fair to say that an event like this can usually happen just once in one person’s life,” Weintraub told AP, adding: “And I think‘ one once in my life is a very good test of whether something deserves to be celebrated. so rare or special. “
Of course, such a close assumption won’t happen again until 2080 – so set your timer for an hour after Monday night’s sunset.