In this episode, Kathleen talks about the “Great Conjunction of 2020”, when 2 gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, get really close together. In addition to other upcoming astro events, Kathleen shares some of her research tools.
“The Great Conjunction of 2020” is when the two gas giants are only 0.1 degree (1/5 the diameter of a Full Moon) apart. Closest conjunction moment for Jupiter and Saturn is at 14:00 UT on 12/21/20, long before they rise into our sky. Here is a Sky Chart from heavens-above.com for Talkeetna on December 21st, at 4pm AST. Sunset is at 3:29, Civil Twilight ends at 4:36, Nautical Twilight (when Jupiter and Saturn will more likely be visible) ends at 5:39, and the planets will set at approximately 6pm. At the time pictured (look for large dot near the bottom of the chart), the planets are less than 7 degrees (a little more than half a fist width on your outstretched arm) above the presumed flat horizon, slightly west of due south. Binoculars may help you find them in the twilight.
