On December 21, the planets will line up, appearing closer than they have been since the Middle Ages, to what is needed is the "Christmas Kiss".
This year, star enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see an interplanetary "kiss", when Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer than ever and brighter than they have appeared in 800 years, in an event known as the "union of great ”(great conjuction).
What is happening and how rare is it?
On the December 21 solstice, the planets will look like a glowing star, as the 12- and 29-year orbits of Jupiter and Saturn will unite them.
The last major connection was in May 2000, but his position in the sky made it difficult to see.
The great union of 1623 (when Galileo Galilei was still alive) was also, it was also difficult to distinguish because it appeared very close to the sun, "losing its luster".
How can you see it?
In 2020, the celestial phenomenon will be visible from anywhere on Earth, but conditions will be best near the equator, according to Hartigan.
The "kiss" of Christmas - as astronomer Dr. Brad Tucker from the Australian National University - will appear low in the western sky for about an hour after sunset.
You can watch it live here:
Source: The Guardian, Cambridge Independent
