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ExperiencesEvents

A Christmas Star Will Light Up The Oregon Sky For The First Time In Centuries

Oregon offers a diverse array of stunning natural wonders, including gorges, waterfalls, caves, and scenic vistas.

Published Dec 12, 2020

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

2020 has certainly been a rough year, but there's a glimmer of hope slated to appear in the skies above Oregon soon. The Christmas Star hasn't been witnessed by humans since the year 1226 A.D., but it's going to make an appearance on December 21st, and you won't want to miss it!

The Christmas Star isn't actually a star at all - it's Jupiter and Saturn aligning just right with Earth so that they appear to merge together as one bright beacon of light.

A bright star shines in a dark, star-filled galaxy, surrounded by twinkling celestial bodies and cosmic dust.
sololos/E+ Collection via Getty Images

You'll be able to see the two planets starting on December 15th; they'll appear to get closer and closer to each other over the next several days. In reality, the two planets of millions of miles apart - they just appear to merge due to their alignment.

On December 21st, which just happens to be Winter Solstice, the two planets will be just .1 degrees apart - less than 1/5th the diameter of the moon.

Silhouetted trees against a vibrant sunset sky with colorful clouds and two bright celestial bodies.
fishysam/iStock via Getty Images

Astronomers call this event The Great Conjunction, and the phenomenon is quite rare. The last time it was visible to Earth's inhabitants was 1226 A.D. - the same time Ghengis Khan was alive.

A serene night scene of a lake with a small island, illuminated by moonlight and surrounded by mountains under a starry sky.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images

The next time this occurs will be in 2080, so many of us will be able to witness the Christmas Star twice during our lifetimes!

Whether you gaze heavenward from an Oregon forest...

A starry night sky above snow-covered evergreen trees, creating a serene winter landscape.
swkunst/iStock via Getty Images

...or view this bright phenomenon from the coast, you'll be able to witness it from anywhere in Oregon. You won't even need a telescope to view the Great Conjunction - it will be visible to the naked eye.

A serene night scene of rocky coastline under a starry sky, with a bright moon and planet shining above the ocean.
WestWindGraphics/iStock via Getty Images

For the best possible glimpse of the Christmas Star, find a spot where the heavens are visible - far from artificial light pollution and haze. Watch the southwestern horizon right before dusk.

A glowing tent sits in the foreground under a starry night sky, with a mountain and glacier in the background.
Photo by Ryan Claypool/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Will you be making plans to see the Christmas Star on December 21st? Tag the loved ones you want to stargaze with you!

Looking for another place to witness the beauty of the skies above Oregon? Visit this Hopservatory in Bend, where you can sip beer and stargaze!

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