Planets align to create “Christmas Star”

Not only is December 21 the first day of winter, but anyone with access to a clear sky will be able to see an astronomical phenomenon that hasn’t been seen in almost 800 years.  The planets Jupiter and Saturn have been slowly moving closer to each other in the sky since summer, and just after sunset on Monday, they will be closer when viewed with the human eye than they have since 1226 A.D.  Many are calling the conjunction of the planets the “Christmas Star” as the two planets will be less than 1/5 the width of the moon apart in the night sky, and both will be visible in the same telescopic field of view.  Several of the planets’ moons will also be visible.  The next great conjunction won’t be until 2080, so if the sky is clear, take a few moments after sunset to look in the western sky for this once in a lifetime celestial event.