A Christmas Star Will Light Up The Arkansas Sky For The First Time In Centuries
It looks like 2020 will end on a bright note! A celestial event not seen in 800 years will appear on Dec. 21st and Arkansans will have a front-row seat. The planetary alignment dubbed the Christmas Star will be visible just after sunset. Let’s look up and learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime happening.
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The two planets will be within a 0.1 degree of each other (from our perspective) creating a shining point in the night sky. This close alignment hasn't happened since King Henry III and Genghis Khan were on our planet - in 1226 AD!
This is mainly because the event coincides so closely to Christmas. Interestingly enough, some astronomers do believe the Star of Bethlehem was actually a similar planetary alignment but with Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus. The technical term for this occurrence is called a great conjunction.
You'll be able to spot them if you look towards the horizon facing southwest. The shining ball on the left side will be Jupiter, with Saturn on the right.
Luckily, Arkansans have the only Dark Sky Park in the south - the Buffalo National River! You can learn about the details of what makes a Dark Sky Park by reading this article.
You might as well see if there are any available spots at your favorite state park. Some of our favorite remote cabins in the state can be found at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.
Just be sure to look up after sunset on the 21st!
Are you planning on staying up to see this celestial event? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Address: Arkansas, USA
