Less than a week left until Christmas ~
We’ve missed too many holidays in 2020, but thankfully our lives are getting back to normal before it’s officially over ~
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This year is indeed very magical.
But the magic is not just happening on Earth, the entire solar system is also very magical astrology ~
After watching the Mars-Moon connection in October, I didn’t expect to see the once-in-800-years “Saturn encounter”!
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Yes, tonight, December 21, Saturn and Jupiter will have a “Christmas kiss”.
In fact, because of the close orbits of Saturn and Jupiter, Saturn-Jupiter conjunctions occur once every 19.6 years.
It often occurs in March or December and is called the Great Conjunction.
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But this year’s conjunction is the closest it has been since 1623.
And also very close to Christmas, so we all call it “Christmas kiss” ~
So, Lao Mo will first give you a brief explanation of the Earth-Magi conjunction ~
What is the Earth-Wood conjunction?
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As we know, the eight planets in our solar system
All revolve around the Sun at their own speed
The orbits of the planets are close to the same plane
Therefore, the probability of a planetary conjunction is high
There may even be a rendezvous of five planets
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Although Saturn and Jupiter are far away from the Sun
But because Saturn and Jupiter are the two most massive planets
two of the most massive planets in our solar system
Therefore, it is also possible to see the planets with the naked eye
In fact, since October of this year
Saturn and Jupiter began to get closer and closer
and will meet tonight around 11:00 p.m. Melbourne time.
At this point, the distance will be “as thin as a coin”
It can be said that almost completely overlap ~
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Although Saturn and Wood meet once every 20 years
But the last time the two stars were this close together
was as far back as 1623, when Galileo was alive
Almost 800 years ago
But because the encounter took place in the summer
The light of the sun directly obscured the encounter
It could not be observed without special equipment
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This conjunction is not only the closest
but it also occurred at night
It’s the rare thing that can be clearly observed
Although you may miss tonight and wait another 20 years
You may be able to see another Saturn-Jupiter encounter
But the two stars will never be this close together again.
And the next close Saturn-Jupiter encounter
will not be until March 15, 2080.
It’s safe to say that tonight’s astrological event
is the only one that will happen in our lifetime ~
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(Twitter: @perthobs)
If you can’t see it tonight because of the weather
Don’t worry, too!
Within 3 days, you can still see it around the world
The double star is super close to the amazing sky
How can I see it in Melbourne?
Whether it’s the previous meteor shower
or the fire-moon link that happened not long ago
Everyone’s main concern is.
“How can I watch it if I don’t have equipment? Where can I watch it?”
The good news is that this conjunction is clearly visible around the world
You don’t even need any equipment, you can see it with the naked eye ~
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A NASA spokesperson also said.
“The planets will be easily visible to the naked eye when looking toward the southwest after sunset.”
Of course, if the field of view
there are too many obstructions, tree branches or tall buildings, etc.
will definitely affect the observation experience ~
Therefore, Mo chose some of the best spots in the city of Melbourne.
01
Ricketts Point, Beaumaris
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Because the Wood-Earth conjunction is located in the southwest
and is located at a relatively low altitude
It is also better to be slightly away from the city to avoid light pollution
Rickets Point in Beaumaris
is the ideal place to observe
Rickets Point is actually a marine reserve
Rich in marine life
It is a great beach for snorkeling and swimming
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Also, because it faces west
It is also the best place to watch the sunset
Tonight’s sunset is at 8:41pm
You can read the tweet and go there right away ~
It takes about 30 minutes to get there by car
About 1 hour by public transportation
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There are some good cafes and bars nearby
After watching the sunset, you can fill up your stomach first
You can go back to the beach around 10:30 to watch the stars.
In fact, the southern observation deck along the coast
should be able to clearly see the double star conjunction
But it is recommended that you choose a beach far from the city
St Kilda is not so suitable
02
Mt Macedon
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If you have more time and conditions
Of course, you can also drive an hour to Mt.
The mountain is the best choice for stargazing, and there is less light pollution.
It’s the best choice for stargazing, bar none
The only downside is the lack of traffic
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Old Mo recommended observation place is
Camel’s Hump in the Macedonian Mountains
Because this is the highest point of the whole mountain, the best view ~
It is recommended to hike before sunset
or close to sunset
Then you can go down the mountain before 11 o’clock.
You should pay more attention to safety when walking on the mountain at night.
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03
Mornington Pier
An observation site comparable to Rickets Point
Mornington Peninsula, located in the south of Melbourne
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The shoreline is directly to the west
It’s also one of the best places to see the double star conjunction
Of course, an early start will allow you to see a perfect sunset.
It’s just a little further away from Melbourne CBD
Still more suitable for self-drive
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The drive will also take about an hour
But it’s safer than Mount Macedon
The coastal road to and from the city is also very beautiful
Mornington feels like
The best destination for a “getaway trip”
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04
Melbourne Star
According to astronomers
The best time to observe is from sunset onwards
If you can catch the last train of Melbourne Star
You may even be able to see the “Christmas Kiss” from high above Melbourne
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The Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to ride.
The last one tonight will start at 9pm
It’s a bit of a rush, so you should leave early!
You can go to the scene and buy tickets ~
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Old Mo looked at the remaining tickets are still a lot of
I feel that if you can stargaze in Melbourne Star
It is also a very romantic thing ~
05
The balcony of your own home
After all, watching a double star conjunction is not the same as a meteor shower
You don’t need a particularly clean and dark environment
In fact, you can see it from your own balcony
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If your balcony is facing the west
And you live on a relatively high floor like Old Mo
It is not so difficult to watch the double star conjunction
Of course, if you have professional equipment at home
For example, binoculars
Then it’s not difficult to watch the conjunction of Earth and Wood.
Where can I watch it except Melbourne?
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Saturn conjunctions are not unique to a particular region
It can be seen clearly all over the world
People in China can also see it
Lao Mo just took a look at the weather in Guangzhou
There are no clouds and the visibility is very high
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As long as you avoid the areas with heavy light pollution in the city
You can easily capture the encounter of Saturn Jupiter ~
Tips for observation
Safety is the first priority. Drive as far away from roads and railroads as possible. When driving, be safe!
If you choose to go to the beach or the mountains to watch, it is best to bring a blanket or thicker clothes. The lowest temperature tonight can reach 14 degrees Oh! Very non-summer “winter solstice” ~
Observation site recommended in away from the city lights pollution, or higher altitude places. The most important thing is not to be in a place where the lights are particularly strong
Be sure to check the weather conditions before you go!
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In addition, if you are not sure whether the weather will be good or not
you can visit the time and date website
to check the visibility of the planets in real time
and when they are rising and falling
Website.
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/night/australia/melbourne
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If Melbourne has thick cloud cover tonight
but want to see the Earth-Moil conjunction
You can also watch the live broadcast from Lowell Observatory
Live on YouTube~
For more information on stargazing, please visit the Nasa website
at
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-great-conjunction-of-jupiter-and-saturn
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