EmilyD

Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create the First "Christmas Star" in Nearly 800 Years

On Monday Dec. 21 (aka the December solstice), Jupiter and Saturn will align so closely in the night sky that they'll almost appear to collide from our vantage point here on Earth, creating a radiant point of light often referred to as the "Star of Bethlehem" or the "Christmas Star." To see the conjunction, look just after sunset for Jupiter, the bright ‘star’ low to the west; nearby is a fainter ‘star,’ Saturn.

All of December, Jupiter will be creeping closer to Saturn. On Dec. 21, they’ll be so close together that your naked eye won’t be able to tell them apart.

Kinda cool....

rjoeholl

What direction in the sky (from the northern hemisphere) should we look?

FallenOak Loc: St George Utah

I found this several weeks ago but don't know how to tell people about anything so can only answer. My source says to look to the southwest from St George, Utah about 45 minutes after sunset. I am going up on the bluff above the city and search from there. Good luck to you also as it should be quite a sight. Once in 400 years is what this one is supposed to be.

EmilyD

https://people.com/human-interest/christmas-star-2020-how-to-watch/

From article: "Space lovers who want to catch a peek should find a spot with an unobstructed view, like a field or park, and look to the southwestern sky an hour after sunset, NASA advises.

Jupiter should be easy to spot, as it looks like a bright star, while Saturn, though slightly fainter, will be above it to the left until Monday night, when Jupiter will overtake it and they’ll swap spots."

Of course, it all depends on the weather where you live, but if it's a clear night, it should be visible to the naked eye. Binoculars and/or a telescope would help, too. I've got mine ready.