close_game
close_game

Great conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn to dazzle skygazers after 397 years on Dec 21

Kolkata | ByPress Trust of India | Posted by Deepali Sharma
Dec 07, 2020 11:03 AM IST

In the run-up to the date, both planets will appear to progressively come closer to each other, with every passing day.

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

In most major cities across India, the conjunction could be seen just after sunset.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo for representation)
In most major cities across India, the conjunction could be seen just after sunset.(Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo for representation)

The two planets have never been so close since 1623, and hence, the term “a great conjunction”, Director of M P Birla Planetarium, Debi Prasad Duari, said in a statement.

“If two celestial bodies visually appear close to each other from Earth, it is called a conjunction. And such conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter is at times called a great conjunction,” he said.

Also Read | Celestial Christmas decoration: Sky will light up with Geminid meteor shower this December

The planets will next come comparably close on March 15, 2080.

On the night of December 21, their physical distance will be around 735 million km, Duari said.

In the run-up to the date, both planets will appear to progressively come closer to each other, with every passing day, he said.

In most major cities across India, the conjunction could be seen just after sunset.

See more
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, November 03, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On
// // //