The “Great Conjunction”- Jupiter and Saturn take Center Stage in a Holiday Spectacular by Steve Tabor
The “Great Conjunction”- Jupiter and Saturn take Center Stage in a Holiday Spectacular
by Steve Tabor
2020 has brought us some challenging moments. But, astrologically, it has brought us two nearly once in a lifetime events, the NEOWISE comet (Palos Verdes Pulse July 23, 2020) and the “Christmas Star”. In the days preceding the celebration of Christmas millions of people around the world have witnessed an event that was nicknamed the “Christmas Star”. Although there is little evidence that the conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn is actually the legendary Star of Bethlehem, its timing between Winter Solstice and a Christmas led to the popular moniker.
In astrological terms, a conjunction is a meeting of planets and other celestial objects (stars, comets, etc.) on our sky’s dome. In terms of Jupiter and Saturn, they are among the largest and brightest planets visible from earth, thus this event is considered a “Great Conjunction”.
At their closest point on December 21st, the two planets were a mere 456 million miles and 3 degrees apart. Individually, Jupiter and Saturn are brighter than any star, and because of their proximity they are incredibly visible and steadily shine. Upon closer examination Saturn has a golden glow.
Jupiter and Saturn align earth’s orbit approximately every 20 years. Although the previous conjunction occurred in 2000, it was not as easily visible because of their close proximity to the sun. This current conjunction has not happened in about 400 years and has not appeared in the evening sky in 800 years.
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun in our solar system. It takes approximately 12 years to complete its orbit around the sun. Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the farthest planet we can easily see with our eye. Saturn takes 30 years to complete its orbit around the sun. It takes Jupiter approximately 20 years for Jupiter to align with Saturn.
Also visible, with the aid of a telescope or large telephoto lens, during this conjunction, are the four of Jupiter’s 79 moons. Known as the Galilean Moons, Callisto, Ganymede and Io are the top left of the planet, and Europa is at the bottom right of Jupiter.
The remaining schedule of conjunctions for the 21st century is as follows: October 31, 2040, April 7, 2020, March 15, 2080, and September 18, 2100. Astronomers indicate the 2080 conjunction will be more spectacular than this year’s event.
During the time of this conjunction, Jupiter is 557,619,833 miles from earth and Saturn is 100,763,861,673 miles from earth.
Star of Bethlehem
For centuries, there have been a number of theories regarding the mystical star in the East that led the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Michael R. Molnar, astronomer and author, in his book, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi, suggests the theory of conjunction could account for the presence of the star. He proposes three possibilities existed that could have been present at the time of the Magi’s journey.
Molnar suggests the most likely candidate is a conjunction that occurred in April, 6 B.C. The conjunction was formed by Jupiter, Saturn, the moon and the sun in the constellation of Aries. The conjunction appeared early in the morning. The disappearance of the star over Jesus’ birthplace occurred because of a retrograde motion of Jupiter which was due to the Earth’s orbit overtaking it. Molnar indicates that among the possibilities in the conjunction theory this is the strongest because the other two possibilities do not match the description in the New Testament.
The next possibility is a conjunction between Venus and the star Regulus in the constellation of Leo which occurred in June, 2 B.C. The third possibility occurred in April, 6 B.C. involving Jupiter, Saturn and Mars in the constellation of Pisces.
As far as this being the final word in the story of the Star of Bethlehem, Molnar states, “Nothing in science is ever case closed, nor is it in history. We may never know if the Star of Bethlehem was a conjunction, astrological event or a fable to advance Christianity. Maybe, it was simply a miracle.”
Sources:
EarthSky.com
Space.com
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
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