Here's how you can see the 'Christmas star' TONIGHT 🌟

It will light up the sky for first time in nearly 800 years!

Christmas star
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 21st Dec 2020

It's been quite the year for stargazers, we had the chance to see the Lyrids back in April, the Perseids in August, and of course there was opportunity to see the SpaceX rocket after it launched, and the Starlink satellites.

Now, stargazers get the chance to see a Christmas 'star', for the first time in nearly 800 years. The 'star' is actually two of the solar system's biggest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, getting so close in the sky that they look like one huge star, just in time for the big day.

Saturn and Jupiter

How can I see the Christmas 'star'?

The actual event will take on the 21st December, the Winter Solstice, it will be possible to see the planets very close in the sky before and after that date.

The best place to see this happen is by looking towards the south-west as soon as the sun sets, and find the brightest thing you can see!

Remember to wait until the sun has set, looking directly at the sun can cause blindness.

If you have binoculars or a telescope you will still be able to see the separate planets, however the 'star' will still be a spectacular view with the naked eye.

When was there last a Christmas 'star'?

The last time something like this was observable with the naked eye was in 1226, although it also happened in 1623, but due to the position of the sun it wasn't possible to view the 'star'.

And we'll have to wait another 60 years until it happens again!

Speaking about the astronomical event, NASA said that the two planets have, "gradually moved closer to each other".

They went on to say, "Keep in mind that while the two gas giants may appear close, in reality they are hundreds of millions of miles apart.

"This will be quite a striking sight, but you will need to look fast as both planets will set shortly after sunset.

"Look above the western horizon after sunset for these bright, close planets - a clear view will help!"

Now take look through our Ultimate Christmas Quiz:

1) What colour was Father Christmas' suit originally?


2) What year did The Pogues release Christmas classic 'Fairytale of New York'?


3) If you combine the number of drummers drumming, ladies dancing and gold rings from 'The Twelve Day Of Christmas', how many gifts will you have?


4) How many gifts in total were given in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Song?


5) What is the name of Will Ferrell's character in the classic film Elf?


6) Which European country started the tradition of having Christmas trees?


7) What drink, which is traditionally drunk on Christmas Day, has the ingredients two parts champagne and one part orange juice?


8) Which popular Christmas song is the highest-selling UK single of all time to not reach #1 in the charts?


9) What year did Home Alone get released?


10) Which one of Santa's reindeers are missing from the list - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph?


ANSWERS!


1) Green


2) 1987


3) 26


4) 364


5) Buddy


6) Germany


7) Bucks Fizz


8) 'Last Christmas'


9) 1990


10) Cupid


Now read:

Brilliant Elf on a Shelf ideas to try on the kids

Things you'll only understand if your birthday is around Christmas

The best Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit

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