On December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will get as close to each other as they have in 800 years, within 0.1 degree, forming what some are calling a "Christmas Star." For those that believe in the star that led the wisemen to Jesus, it's likely that the "star" was formed by two planets getting close enough to each other to form what appears to be an especially radiant star.
What makes this cool is a number of things:
#1. The fact that it's happening at all. Every 20 years or so, Jupiter and Saturn get close together in what's called the Great Conjunction, but they don't get as close as they will in this upcoming event. It's been 800 years since they've been this close, making it an especially rare heavenly event. You have to go back to the year 1226 to find a year when these two gas giants were this close. That's pretty cool.
#2. It's happening in December. If you are a Christian, you have to love the fact that a heavenly star of this historical magnitude is happening in the same time of year as when the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated.
#3. It's happening in 2020. 2020 has been a rough year for many people. To have it end with something special and unique like this is pretty cool. A little friendly cosmic justice being thrown our way.
(Photo: WKYC)