The solar system’s two largest planets, Saturn and Jupiter, will be seen to merge in December 2020, to create a dazzling “Christmas star’.
It’s a momentous event – the solar spectacle last occurred in the year 1623, but atronomers say it was actually properly last observable by the naked eye in 1226.
The spectacle is being dubbed the “Great Conjunction of 2020”, which coincides with the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice.
NASA says that while the two planets will look very close, “in reality they are hundred of million miles apart.”
When and where to see it? The Great Conjunction of 2020 will be visible from anywhere on Earth on Monday, 21 December – conditions will be best nearer the equator.
Experts say the best time to seen the historic event will be soon after sunset.
“Look above the western horizon after sunset for these bright, close planets – a clear view will help!”