After Christmas on Boxing Day evening, Saturn and the Moon will paint a pretty picture on the western horizon. If you got a telescope for Christmas, try finding Saturn. It’s the ringed planet and is one of the most favourite objects to see through a telescope. Find it above and slightly right of the Moon.
When and where to look:
8pm, 26th December. North west.
Something Interesting
Do you wonder if there is an astronomical explanation for the Star of Bethlehem? There are a few theories – perhaps it was a comet, a supernova or perhaps a planetary conjunction (or close grouping of planets).
One hypothesis is that the Star of Bethlehem was a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on 17th June in the year 2 BC. The planets were very close to each other above the north western horizon on this date. Now they are on opposite sides of the sky!
Read more with the Lowell Observatory. The Lowell Observatory is located in Flagstaff, Arizona – the World’s First International Dark Sky City.
Want More Stargazing Tips?
There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky and country WA is the best place to catch all the action!