In an exclusive astronomical event, Jupiter and Saturn are set to appear very close to each other, a phenomenon known as a conjunction. This celestial event is scheduled for 21st December 2020, creating the illusion of a singular bright star in our night sky.
Understanding the Conjunction
A conjunction relates to the scenario where two celestial bodies appear visually close to each other when viewed from Earth. The upcoming event of December 21st is more fascinating because it involves the two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, an occurrence often referred to by astronomers as the ‘Great Conjunction’. Although these Great Conjunctions occur every 20 years, this year’s event will be special due to the close alignment of the two planets, a sight last witnessed in 1623.
The Great Conjunction is a result of the alignment of the orbital paths of Jupiter, which orbits the sun approximately every 12 years, and Saturn, every 29 years. While the planets may seem proximate, they will still be over 400 million miles apart.
The Gigantic Jupiter
Jupiter, positioned fifth from the Sun, holds the title as the largest planet in our solar system. It is so massive that it’s more than twice the size of all the other planets combined. Jupiter, along with Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, is considered a Jovian or Gas Giant Planet, characterized by a thick atmosphere principally composed of helium and hydrogen.
Jupiter’s emblematic Great Red Spot, a colossal storm larger than Earth, has been persistently raging for centuries. While it completes a rotation approximately every 10 hours (a Jovian day), it takes about 12 Earth years to orbit the Sun (a Jovian year). Jupiter boasts more than 75 moons, with the four largest being Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, known as the Galilean satellites. Notably, Jupiter also possesses a faint ring system, discovered by the Voyager mission in 1979.
Saturn: A Spectacular Sight
The sixth planet from the Sun, Saturn, is the second-largest planet in the solar system. Saturn’s rotation takes about 10.7 hours (a Saturn ‘day’), while an orbit around the sun takes 29 Earth years. Saturn has a massive moon called ‘Titan’ and a total of 82 moons, 53 known and 29 awaiting confirmation.
Saturn is famous for its remarkable ring system, composed of seven rings with several gaps and divisions between them. Its rings combined with its numerous moons make it a spectacle in our sky.
Interplanetary Missions to Jupiter and Saturn
To date, nine spacecraft have ventured to Jupiter. While most were fly-by missions, two have succeeded in orbiting the gas giant, including the most recent, Juno, which arrived in 2016.
Fewer missions have explored Saturn, with Pioneer 11 and Voyagers 1 and 2 conducting fly-by examinations. The Cassini mission, however, managed to provide substantial data, orbiting Saturn 294 times from 2004 to 2017.
Excitement is rife as we anticipate this rare celestial event. The next such close alignment won’t occur until 2080, making this a historic observation for those lucky enough to witness it.
