Tonight's the Night Jupiter and Saturn Hug Tight

Jupiter and Saturn were less than a degree apart on Dec. 19. Tonight (Dec. 21) they'll be closest. I took this photo with a 200mm telephoto lens. The little string of dots to the upper left of Jupiter are several of its moons! Bob King

This is the night we've been waiting for. Jupiter and Saturn will be in close conjunction just 0.1° apart at dusk. You'll find them cozied up together low in the southwestern sky 45 to 90 minutes after sunset or roughly from 5 to 6:15 p.m. local time. 

The last observable closest approach of the two distant gas giants occurred on March 5, 1226, while the next close pairing similar to tonight's won't happen until March 15, 2080. Dang, I definitely won't be around for that one, the reason I'm going to hit the road today in search of clear skies. 

I hope you get to see their closest approach, but if clouds interfere you have two options. You can continue to watch Jupiter and Saturn huddle together through Christmas night, and though they won't be as close together as tonight, they'll still make a stirring sight. Or you can watch the duo via live stream on YouTube at the Mt. Wilson Virtual Star Party. Streaming starts at 7 p.m. Central Time (5 p.m. Pacific) this evening, Dec. 21.

Merry solstice and happy great conjunction!

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