The year 2020 has been long, with many setbacks and few causes for celebration. It may seem like things will never brighten up, but there is one bright spot coming near the end of December. Just four days before Christmas, on December 21, 2020, a beautiful celestial event will draw our eyes up, towards the heavens. A Christmas star like this one has not been seen since the 1600s. Read on below to learn more about this event, its rarity, and how to spot it this holiday season.

This December, those who look into the night sky can witness an unusual sight. Throughout the first few weeks of the month, Jupiter and Saturn will appear to get closer and closer to each other in the sky.
xylophilist/Flickr
This event, called a conjunction, happens every 20 years. But this year's event is more special than usual. On December 21, 2020, the two planets will be one-tenth of a degree apart. Their conjunction will look like a single, bright star!
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory/YouTube
This close a conjunction hasn't happened since 1623. At that time, the conjunction appeared too close to the sun to easily see. But this time, Minnesotans will have a front row seat to the event. It's even more rare that it is happening so close to Christmas!
Lisa Ouellette/Flickr
To see the conjunction, simply head to an open place far away from city lights. Just about anywhere in rural Minnesota will do the trick.
Andy Weeks/Flickr
You'll be able to see the planets with a naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope will help. Simply look up, into the southwestern section of the sky, and you should see this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas star!
NVJ/Flickr

Will you make some time to see the Christmas star this year? It may help inject some brightness into the remainder of 2020! For more ways to have fun this holiday season, consider visiting a holiday drive-thru or visiting one of Minnesota’s Christmas towns.

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