We tell you when and where to see the astronomical phenomenon that has not appeared since the Middle Ages

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This story originally appeared on Unknown Mexico

The view of the night sky surprises us again and again, although we sometimes forget it or lose ourselves in the brightness of the big cities. This end of the year brings us another gift: it is Alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, an event that has occurred since the penultimate week of December.

This phenomenon, according to some astronomers, is of the utmost importance to its strangeness. it hadn’t happened since the thirteenth centurywhen the “Great Conjunction” was seen. However, there are differences between the records since the last recording, some pointing to the 17th century. Some also call the event that “Belen Star”, for being near this 2020 with Christmas.

The 2020 “Star of Bethlehem” is nothing more than the connection between Jupiter and Saturn, the largest planets in our solar system, which from our point of view seem to come together. This event will take place on December 21 at https://t.co/t3DfcTejo9 https://t.co/TPjinPKyMx pic.twitter.com/TX0eNL4IJd

– Rolando Natalizia (@chonex) December 7, 2020

This year 2020, Jupiter and Saturn will align themselves for five days to look like a double planet. The phenomenon will be visible everywhere on planet earth.

Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, where and when it will be seen

According to astronomer Marino Hernando Guarín, the planets will align after months of slow convergence. As if that wasn’t enough, the event coincides with that Winter solsticewhat gives it a mystical aura. For some, this will be a Christmas present, especially in a year when mass parties and gatherings are being changed by the COVID-19 pandemic where we need to learn to look at things with a new eye.

Thanks to the low luminosity of winter, the connection between Jupiter and Saturn is visible to the naked eye from December 16-21. However, it would be ideal to visit an observatory or use a telescope.

We are about to experience a planetary alignment that has not been seen in 800 years: it has not occurred since March 4, 1226.
The great connection between Jupiter and Saturn takes place on December 21st. At this point they will be closer (Photo: Patrick Hartigan). pic.twitter.com/sqWfSkEQI4

– Mar Gómez (@MarGomezH) 23rd November 2020

Binoculars, on the other hand, are not a good option as splitting the lenses could distort the phenomenon. You also need to be careful that there are no obstacles like buildings, clouds, trees, or too much light pollution.

These conjunctions are not common due to the different translation times of the individual planets, hence their scientific importance. Don’t forget because it might be the only time you experience it in your life.