Before 2020 approaches, Jupiter and Saturn will be so close that they will form a “double planet”. The greatest connection, as the arrangement of the planets has become known, has not occurred in about 800 years.
When their orbits are adjusted every 20 years, Jupiter and Saturn come very close to each other. This is because Jupiter orbits the Sun every 12 years, while Saturn’s orbit takes 30 years – in each force of each decade, Saturn is lapped by Jupiter, NASA.
However, the 2020 connection is particularly rare – since medieval times, in 1226, the planets have not been seen near this.
“The alignment between these two planets is very rare, occurring every 20 years or so, but this connection is rare because of how close the planets are to each other,” said Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan. Said astronomer Patrick Hartig. Statement. “You have to go back at 4 o’clock at night, before early morning on 1226, to see the close alignment between these bejets appearing in the night sky.”
Aligned with the solstice on December 21, 2020, the two planets will be only 0.1 degrees apart – less than the diameter of the full moon, Earthsky Says. The term “culinary” is used by astronomers to describe the assembly of objects in our night sky, and the great connection between the two largest planets in our solar system: Jupiter and Saturn.
The planets will be very close, they will appear to overlap completely, creating a rare “double planet” effect.
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How to see great connection
During the last great union in 2000, Jupiter and Saturn were so close to the Sun that it was difficult to observe. But Skyways should have a clear view of the celestial phenomenon at this time. As seen from the Northern Hemisphere, the great connection will shine brightly immediately after sunset. NASA Says.
During the entire period of December, the skyworms will be able to easily find the two planets. For the next three weeks, you can watch every evening until you get closer to the sky.
Jupiter currently looks brighter than any star in the sky. Saturn is a little dim, but still as bright as bright stars, with a recognizable golden glow.
Saturn will appear just east of Jupiter, and some of its moons will appear closer to the planet. Unlike twinkling stars, both planets will keep a constant brightness, easy to find on a clear night.
The sky is observable from anywhere on earth, if the sky is clear. “The farther north a viewer is, the sooner the planets will get a glimpse of the connection before sinking below the horizon,” Hartigan said.
The planets will appear very close for about a month, giving the skyworms plenty of time for spectacular alignments during the holiday season. The event is compared to the solstice of December, marking the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
By 2080, this will be the “great” great connection for the next 60 years. “After this alliance, the pair will not form such a close approach until 2400 years later,” Hartigan said.
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