Jupiter and Saturn’s orbits are in near alignment from as seen from Earth, and on December 21, 2020—the date of the December solstice—they’re going to almost appear to collide to become one super-bright point of light.
Our Solar System’s two largest planets will look like a “double planet” for the first time since the Middle Ages.
The rare celestial event will be observable anywhere on Earth where skies are clear. The planets will appear low in the western sky for about an hour after sunset as viewed from the northern hemisphere, and though they’ll be closest on December 21, 2020, you can look each evening that week.
Although the sight will be sinking towards the horizon, it will be bright enough to be viewed in twilight.
All you need is an unobstructed view to the southwest, and to look to the southwest about 45 minutes after sunset where you are.
It’s thought by some—including legendary German astronomer Johannes Kepler—that the “Star of Bethlehem” in the story of the Magi or “three wise men” could have been a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Venus.
