Jupiter and Saturn's great conjunction tonight: Everything you must know

 

In a rare celestial event, Jupiter and Saturn will be seen very close to each other after nearly 400 years.

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

The planets will next come comparably close on March 15, 2080. Today, their physical distance will be around 735 million km. In the run-up to the date, both planets will appear to progressively come closer to each other, with every passing day, he said.

Here’s how to watch Jupiter and Saturn's Great conjunction tonight:

Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park.

Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.

An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.

The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet.