Jupiter and Saturn to be seen in Great Conjunction

Jupiter and Saturn to be seen in Great Conjunction

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech

In news

• In a rare celestial event, Jupiter and Saturn will be seen very close to each other (conjunction) on 21st December 2020, appearing like one bright star.

Key takeaways

• Conjunction occurs when two celestial bodies visually appear close to each other from Earth.
• Astronomers use the term great conjunction to describe meetings of the two biggest worlds in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn.
• It happens about every 20 years.
• The conjunction is the result of the orbital paths of Jupiter and Saturn coming into line, as viewed from Earth.
• Jupiter orbits the sun about every 12 years, and Saturn about every 29 years.
• It will be the closest alignment of Saturn and Jupiter since 1623, in terms of distance.
• The next time the planets will be this close is 2080.
• They will appear to be close together, however, they will be more than 400 million miles apart.