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โChristmas Starโ: Jupiter and Saturn to align in rare phenomenon for first time since Middle Ages
Read full article: โChristmas Starโ: Jupiter and Saturn to align in rare phenomenon for first time since Middle AgesHOUSTON โ Houstonians and the rest of the Earth may want to look up into the night sky on Friday, Dec. 18. This upcoming winter solstice, the Earth will witness a sky-high event not seen in over 800 years, as planets Jupiter and Saturn will line up and appear to collide to create what is called a โChristmas Starโ or โthe Star of Bethlehem,โ Forbes reported. Rice University Astronomer Patrick Hartigan told Forbes March 4, 1226 was the last time Earth has seen an alignment between two planets visible in the night sky. โAlignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to be to one another,โ he told Forbes in an interview. The rare event begin around 45 minutes after sunset and sightings will last throughout the entire week, Forbes reported.
Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this month
Read full article: Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this monthHave you heard of the Leonid meteor shower? It comes around every November, but the chances of seeing it this year are much higher than last year. The shower happens at the same time every year, when Earthโs orbit crosses the orbit of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, according to Space.com. A trail of dust is left behind the comet, and when Earthโs orbit crosses that trail, pieces of the comet fall toward our planetโs surface. Luckily for us, meteors are visible to the naked eye, and the shower will peak overnight Monday into Tuesday (Nov. 16-17) around 3 a.m.