Rare ‘Christmas Star’ to appear over UAE skies today
To be seen after 800 years, phenomenon is a result of close encounter of Jupiter, Saturn
Dubai: UAE residents are in for another celestial treat this evening (December 21) after the recent spectacle of meteor showers.
Visible to the naked eye but best seen with a telescope or pair of binoculars, the Christmas Star is set to make a dazzling appearance.
The sight of the star is the result of two giant planets of the solar system — Jupiter and Saturn — having a rare close encounter that has not been seen from the Earth in nearly 800 years.
“The solar system’s two largest planets will appear to merge, creating a bright point in the sky during the early evening of December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice,” said Hasan Al Hariri, CEO, Dubai Astronomy Group. He said, “Jupiter and Saturn will reach their greatest conjunction when they will be a mere 1/10th of a degree apart and will give an impression of bright star in the sky.”
This dramatic phenomenon is said to have last occurred in 1623 when the two giant planets appeared so close.
“But astronomers say the stargazing conditions at the time and position of the sun meant it was most likely not seen” said Al Hariri, adding, “ It was in 1226 when the “Great Conjunction” was observable with the naked eye, according to EarthSky. The next chance for people to enjoy the “Christmas star” will be in 2080.”