During solar eclipse totality, you may be able to spot these planets in the dark sky
If the clouds clear enough during the total solar eclipse, you could see Jupiter, Venus and maybe even Mars and Saturn.
Rare, spectacular triple conjunction to grace the skies this weekend
In case you missed the great conjunction last month, when the two biggest planets in our solar system -- Jupiter and Saturn -- appeared to come within 1/10 of a degree from each other, thereโs another spectacular sight to catch this weekend: The triple conjunction. It will come into the same 2 degrees of sky with the two other planets this weekend, Forbes reports. Jupiter (L) and Saturn appear about one-tenth of a degree apart during an astronomical event known as a Great Conjunction on Dec. 21, 2020. (2020 Getty Images)Though not quite as spectacular as the other nights, the triple conjuncture will also be visible Friday and Monday. But because our solar system is such an amazing thing, by Feb. 13, the planets will emerge from behind the sun to form yet another triple conjunction, but at that time, just before sunrise.
Cold front will sweep through San Antonio just in time for Christmas
SAN ANTONIO โ Living in and around San Antonio, you probably know that the weather on Christmas Day can sometimes be a bit warm. Thankfully, if youโve been wanting it to feel cool Christmas day, youโre in luck! Christmas Week Forecast7 Day ForecastThe winter solstice will occur Monday at 4:02 a.m., officially kicking off the winter seasonMonday will be pleasant with a cold start in the 30s and a comfy afternoon in the low-70s. Christmas Day, Friday, will again start off with a light freeze. You can also keep up with the Christmas forecast on our weather page.
When to view the โChristmas Starโ in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO โ Every 20 years or so, the orbits of Saturn and Jupiter line up to give those of us observing from Earth a treat -- seeing the two planets close together in the night sky. This year, however, the โgreat conjunctionโ is getting a bit of extra hype for a few reasons. The first is that this yearโs conjunction will be closest โjoiningโ of the two planets since 1623. When the phenomenon peaks on Monday, December 21, the two planets will appear only 0.1ยฐ apart. Itโs also a happy coincidence that the conjunction is peaking the week of Christmas -- prompting many to nickname the conjunction as the โChristmas Starโ or the โBethlehem Star.โHow to view the Great ConjunctionSo how can you view this rare event from in and around San Antonio Christmas week?
Jupiter, Saturn merging in night sky, closest in centuries
(Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. โ Jupiter and Saturn will merge in the night sky Monday, appearing closer to one another than they have since Galileoโs time in the 17th century. Jupiter passes its neighbor Saturn in their respective laps around the sun every 20 years. Saturn and Jupiter have been drawing closer in the south-southwest sky for weeks. Despite appearances, Jupiter and Saturn will actually be more than 450 million miles (730 million kilometers) apart. A telescope will not only capture Jupiter and Saturn in the same field of view, but even some of their brightest moons.
Looking up: 2020 was a great year for astronomy
In March, we saw a Super Worm Moon, named for the earthworms and grubs that emerge after the winter season. And in May, we saw the supermoon known as the Flower Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon or Vesak Festival Moon, according to NASA. Blue moon on HalloweenWeโve all heard the saying, โonce in a blue moon.โ We use it to signify something that doesnโt happen all that often, and we definitely experienced that in 2020. We saw an actual blue moon --- which is the second full moon in a single month -- on Halloween. The next blue moon is not expected until August of 2021.
A major event happening in the sky right now wonโt be matched until 2080, experts say
A major event is happening in the sky this month, and itโs one that wonโt be matched again until 2080, according to experts. The two largest planets in our solar system โ Jupiter and Saturn โ will engage in what is called a great conjunction. The two massive planets will be at their closest on Dec. 21, when they will be only 0.1 degrees apart. The last time there was a great conjunction was in 2000, but the planets were near the sun and difficult to observe. The great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn happens every 20 years, but because of the way the two planets orbit, astronomers predict the view of this yearโs wonโt be matched until 2080.
Rare โChristmas Starโ will light up the sky on winter solstice
As Christmas nears, astronomers are urging citizens to look to the sky in a few weeks to witness something not seen in almost 800 years. Forbes reported that Jupiter and Saturn will look like a โdouble planetโ for the first time since the Middle Ages. Youโll be able to witness the event in the sky through binoculars or a small telescope, according to NASA. In astronomical terms, conjunction is when two objects line up in the sky. Some astronomers believe that the โstar of Bethlehemโ was a conjunction between Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.