Great Conjunction of Jupiter & Saturn, December, 21 2020
Jupiter and Saturn will appear in the evening sky very close to each other, at about one-fifth of the Moon's diameter apart.
Upcoming Astronomical Observing at Griffith Observatory
Watch the Great Conjunction Webcast Live on Monday, December 21, 2020, starting at 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, December 21, 2020, the Winter Solstice, planets Jupiter and Saturn will appear in the evening sky very close to each other, at about one-fifth of the Moon’s diameter apart. This close approach of the two planets is called a “great conjunction” and occurs when the independent movements of Jupiter and Saturn make them appear close together in the sky. This happens once every 20 years, but they have not been seen this close together since 1226 A.D.
If we have clear skies, this conjunction may be seen in the southwestern sky shortly after dark on December 21, and it should be visible from roughly 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jupiter and Saturn will be very close together. Anyone will be able to see the pair with unaided eyes. No telescope or binoculars is required, but a magnified view through a Griffith Observatory telescope will be live streamed. You can also observe both planets and their moons through your own telescope.
