목성과 토성 800년 만에 근접
Jupiter and Saturn formed the closest visible alignment in 800 years.
The observatory at Gwacheon National Science Museum is where one can get close details on what's known as the "great conjunction".
Kim Yeon-seung takes us there.
Stargazers were in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat on Monday night.
Jupiter and Saturn formed the closest visible alignment in 800 years, also known as the 'Great conjunction.'
"I'm standing here at the observatory of Gwacheon National Science Museum.
The 'Great Conjunction hung just above the buildings to the Southwest direction of where I'm standing, during its peak time, 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m."
But the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn could be observed anywhere in South Korea, as long as there was a clear sky and an open space.
The two largest planets of our solar system looked like they are about a tenth of a degree apart, which, according to NASA, is about a "thickness of a dime held at an arm's length."
From afar, these two planets just looked like one giant star.
Jupiter and Saturn align every two decades but the last time they came this close to each other was 400 years ago in 1623.
On that occasion, Jupiter and Saturn were too close to the sun, so the conjunction wasn't visible from Earth.
The last time people could see Jupiter and Saturn make what seemed like a giant star... was in the year 12-26.
And it's going to be a while until this celestial phenomenon resurfaces.
"Next great conjunction will occur on the 15th of march 2080, if you miss this time conjunction, you will never see it again."
Because this event is happening just before Christmas, some are dubbing it the 'Christmas star.'
And it also happens to fall on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News
#Jupiter #Saturn #visible
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2020-12-21, 22:00 (KST)
