2020: Countdown to the Christmas Star on December 21, 2020

Photo Credit: NASA

In just a few days, something spectacular is about to appear in the night sky this Christmas season. Jupiter and Saturn will draw closer together, heading into a "great conjunction" after sunset on December 21, 2020. It will mark the closest alignment of the two planets in nearly 800 years. CNN reports:

The two largest planets in our solar system are coming closer together than they have been since the Middle Ages, and it's happening just in time for Christmas -- hence the nickname of the "Christmas Star."

While it's not an actual star, the two planets will certainly make a bright splash in the night sky.

On the night of December 21, the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will appear so closely aligned in our sky that they will look like a double planet. This close approach is called a conjunction. The fact that this event is happening during the winter solstice is pure coincidence, according to NASA.

What is a planetary conjunction? According to NASA, it means that the two planets, Saturn and Jupiter, will come together in close alignment. And both planets will be visible from Earth like a bright star. It is called a “great conjunction” because Jupiter and Saturn are the two largest planets in the solar system.

What makes this year exceptional is that the two planets have not aligned this close together in the night sky since the year 1226 A.D. This incredibly rare event will showcase a special Christmas around the world. Some sources believe this planetary conjunction was the same fabled Star of Bethelem, or "Christmas Star," that is said to have revealed the birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem (Israel) nearly two millennia ago. For those who are unfamiliar with the famous biblical story, see the excerpt of the Three Wise Men (Magi) in Matthew 2:1-2:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Between tonight and December 25, look for the Jupiter-Saturn pairing in the western sky for about 45 minutes to an hour after sunset. The sky must be dark enough to see the two planets. While the cosmic event can be seen with the naked eye, it is recommended for individuals to use binoculars or a telescope to enhance the viewing, especially if you're interested in seeing Jupiter's four large moons. Although these two planets may appear close, they are still hundreds of millions of miles apart. While planetary conjunctions typically occur every 20 years, the next sighting of Jupiter and Saturn will not appear this close again from Earth until 2080.

Recommended links:

• NASA: The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
• The Lowell Observatory's YouTube Channel -- Flagstaff, Arizona (The observatory will host a program beginning at 7 p.m. ET, showcasing live views through its telescopes.)
• The Virtual Telescope Project - Rome, Italy.

Did you get a good view of the "Christmas Star" in the night sky? Share your thoughts!