Skygazers are in for an end-of-year treat this evening.
Jupiter and Saturn will meet in a "great conjunction"; the last time this event was witnessed at the winter solstice was almost 800 years ago.
The planets will give the appearance of one star; it's believed a similar event is an explanation behind the Star of Bethlehem.
Space commentator Leo Enright says you'll have to go out early in the evening to see it:
"About 5 o'clock when the sun just about disappears it should be visible to anybody who isn't clouded out; admittedly there's a lot of cloud predicted for this evening but there will definitely be clear spells. So you really want to get into a position where you can see clearly down to the southwest."
People are asking us where is the best vantage point to see the conjunction on Monday. Well, look for high ground with a clear view of the horizon, look to the south west and you should see them clearly. More details over the coming days.
— Astronomy Ireland 🪐 🔭 🛰 (@AstronomyIRL) December 17, 2020
Main image: In this Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 photo made available by NASA, Saturn, top, and Jupiter, below, are seen after sunset from Shenandoah National Park in Luray, Virginia. Picture by: Bill Ingalls/AP/Press Association Images
