San Diego – The two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, have been approaching since the Middle Ages.
“In fact, the planets are orbiting the sun, like cars on a racetrack,” said local astronomer Francis French. “And every time and they seem to agree with our point of view.” Are However, they often do not come close. “
The rare celestial event – dubbed the “Christmas Star” – is not really a star, but a close association of two planets that caught the attention of people around the world on Monday, including a handful in San Diego. It will appear in the sky for the next several nights.
After that, it will not be seen again until March 15, 2080.
“It’s not something that has been happening for hundreds of years, so it’s really a special treatment,” French said. “Once in a lifetime we hope that all of us will be encouraged.”
If you’re a stargazer like Carter Huss of the San Diego Astronomy Association, you’re going to find the best out there to spread the word.
“Astronomers recorded it by writing it down on paper and seeing how close the two dots were on the paper. “We now have state-of-the-art equipment that can go and see these beautiful planets.”
Although the planets may seem close, they are still hundreds of millions of miles apart. Because of Hess’s binoculars, many of his neighbors were able to see the great combination.
“It was great, you can actually see a few rings, a small moon around it,” said Keith Vaughan. “It’s very clear.”
Van’s wife, Dina, added: “It’s good that we’ve lost it. Let’s see. We can have clear skies and (we) can see it so well. “
