Jupiter and Saturn set to be in the closest alignment in 800 years

Update: I will post new pictures every few days so we can see the progression. Latest pictures will be at the bottom of this page.

Also called: “Christmas Star” which refers to the biblical story of the Star of Bethlehem which led the “three wise men” on a journey to bring their gifts to baby Jesus. “Double Planet” refers to the visualization of the super conjunction. The last time they were this close was 794 years ago.

The two planets the largest of the planets in our solar system Jupiter and Saturn will be in the closest alignment on Dec. 21 2020 the winter solstice since 1226. When planets align in a close proximity from our vantage point it’s an astronomical event called “Conjunction” when it involves the largest planets it’s called “Super-Conjunction”.

Jupiter and Saturn will be entering the constellation of Aquarius starting on December 17th. For Jupiter this is the first time in 12 years and leaving on May 13 2021. Saturn will stay until March 7 2023. During this transit through Aquarius will bring us to be accountable, progressive and just while being futuristic, revolutionary.

From the perspective here in Minnesota the planets will align with Saturn above Jupiter and about the distance of a full Moon between them. You can spot them low in the southwestern sky just after sunset.

We have nine planets and a few dwarf planets in our solar system.

• Mercury
• Venus
• Earth
• Mars
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Uranus
• Neptune
  • Pluto _{^{(dwarf planet)}}

The “Winter Solstice” is when the Sun is at the lowest point in the horizon giving us the shortest period of day-light of the year. It is also the first day of winter. The image below shows the orbit of Earth around the Sun.

The Picture below has Jupiter right above the power pole and Saturn to the upper left of Jupiter. Earlier in the summer they were about three times this far apart. From my vantage point in Minnesota you can spot Jupiter and Saturn low in the southern horizon and they move to the west as the night progresses.

AlignmentAstronomicalAstronomyConjunctionDoubleDouble PlanetEventJupiterPlanetSaturn