On December 21, 2020, something amazing happened in the night sky! Jupiter and Saturn, two of the biggest planets in our solar system, came super close together. This event is called a “conjunction,” and it’s so special because it’s the first time in 800 years that they looked like a “double planet.” Plus, it happened on the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Skywatchers all over the world were excited to see this rare sight!
Jupiter and Saturn align in the sky about every 20 years. But this time was extra special because they were only 0.1 degrees apart! The last time they were this close was way back in 1226, during the Medieval Times. This means that people who saw it were witnessing something that won’t happen again until the year 2400. It’s like seeing a piece of history in the sky!
If you were in the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to see this conjunction was right after sunset on December 21, 2020. You just needed to look low in the southwestern sky, and you could see Jupiter and Saturn shining brightly together. They were so close that they looked like one big star! This amazing view lasted for about a month, giving everyone plenty of chances to see it.
Jupiter takes 12 years to go all the way around the Sun, while Saturn takes about 30 years. Every 20 years or so, Jupiter catches up with Saturn in their orbits, and that’s when we get to see these cool conjunctions. This time, they were closer than usual, making it a must-see event!
December 21, 2020, was a night to remember! People all over the world looked up at the sky to see the incredible conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. It was a chance to see something that hasn’t happened in nearly 800 years. If you missed it, don’t worry! There are always more amazing things to see in the sky. Just keep looking up and enjoy the wonders of our universe!
Create Your Own Solar System Model: Gather some craft supplies like colored paper, string, and glue. Create a model of the solar system with the planets in their orbits. Use different colors for each planet and place Jupiter and Saturn close together to represent the conjunction. Hang your model in your room and share what you learned about the conjunction with your family!
Observe the Night Sky: On a clear night, go outside with a parent or guardian and look at the stars. Try to find Jupiter and Saturn using a star map or a stargazing app. Notice how they appear in the sky and think about how they move in their orbits. Write down or draw what you see in a sky journal. How do you think the sky will look in 20 years when the next conjunction happens?
Math Fun with Planetary Orbits: Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the Sun, and Saturn takes 30 years. If you were to draw a timeline, how many times would Jupiter orbit the Sun by the time Saturn completes one orbit? Use this information to calculate when the next conjunction might happen. Discuss with your classmates how the orbits of these planets affect their positions in the sky.
