The Great Conjunction | Jupiter and Saturn united on 21 December, the closest observable in 800 years!

Astronomers use the term 'great conjunction' to describe the meeting of the largest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn. We will see this rare event after 20 years.

As we bid adieu in a few days to 2020, the year in which unprecedented changes (epidemics and all) have occurred is also going to witness a very rare event of 'great combination'.

Astronomers use the term 'great conjunction' to describe the meeting of the largest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn. This winter solstice i.e. December 21, we will see this rare event after 20 years.

However, not all combinations are the same. The 2020 great combination of the two planets will be the closest since 1623 and the closest observable since 1226! Therefore, it is a rare occasion for Stargazers as this moment of union of the mighty Jupiter and for the first time the magnificent Saturn has come into the modern world.

Although these coincidences occur after every 20 years, the two planets will not appear in the sky until 15 March 2080.

NASA also asked to see the star lower to the southwest after sunset, when "two massive planets would appear about a tenth of a degree apart - about the thickness of a hole placed at arm's length."

NASA said, "It is good for the Northern Hemisphere to watch overnight, at 2 pm local time and after midnight for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere."