Jupiter and Saturn to form 'Christmas Star' in sky this month - TribLIVE

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21, Jupiter and Saturn are going to be so close together that they will show up as one intensely bright point of light forming what some refer to as the “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem.”.

“They are closer together than usual out in space and they will appear close, together because of our perspective on Earth,” Hennessy said.

And Jupiter and Saturn will be so close that stargazers will be able to see them together through a telescope, according to Lou Coban, electronic technician/administrator of the University of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Observatory.

Coban said covid-19 concerns will prevent people from being allowed into the observatory but they’ll have the opportunity to see plenty from home.

“If you look at them with a modest telescope, even a small telescope or a pair of binoculars, you will be able to see two of the largest planets in the solar system in the same field of view of an eyepiece,” said Coban.

“You should be able to see the rings of Saturn and the moons going around Jupiter.”.

Hennessy said this is an especially good year for viewing Saturn’s rings.

They are on average only 30 feet thick, believe it or not,” said Hennessy.

Saturn’s rings are going to be tilted toward Earth so that you can see the north face of the rings really well.”.

Hennessy said the best time to view the conjunction on Dec.

“I think it’s exciting because, for me, a celestial event like this is a reminder for folks to look up and enjoy the sky we all share,” said Hennessy.

“It’s fun to think of looking at Jupiter and Saturn right now through a telescope, that we’re carrying on Galileo’s tradition.”.

“I like to tell people to put duct tape on their socks, because this is going to knock their socks off,” said Coban.

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