Our Natural Universe Will Provide Us With Some Astronomical Gifts This Winter Solstice!
Submitted by: Ray Stefanski, Physicist, FFRF and FFRFMCC Life Member
As we enjoy the festive season during the annual celebration of the Winter Solstice, this will be a special year when two astronomical events are due by the end of this final month of 2020.
A total solar eclipse will occur on December 14th, visible in Chile, Argentina and other parts of South America, but not in the Chicago area. A total solar eclipse that is seen from somewhere on the earth takes place about every 18 months. The next total eclipse that will be visible in the Chicago area will be on April 8, 2024. So just hang tight.
What will be visible in Chicago this year will be the conjunction, the point of closest approach in the night sky of Jupiter and Saturn, which only takes place about once every 20 years. Because the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are tilted slightly with respect to Earth’s orbit and to each other, when they do line up the distance between them varies, making every conjunction different. This year’s Great Conjunction will occur on December 21, the night of the Winter Solstice. But also, this year will be the closest alignment of the planets since 1623.
That event was hardly visible because of interference from the sun. This year will be the closest visible encounter between the two giant planets since 1226. The best view of the two planets coming into alignment will come just after sunset near the western part of the horizon. With a pair of binoculars, we should be able to make out the four large Galilean moons of Jupiter, along with Saturn nearby.
This description came from The Old Farmer’s Almanac where you can also catch more detail and hints regarding viewing opportunities.
Happy Winter Solstice to all!
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