Great Conjunction 2020 LIVE: Will Jupiter and Saturn ‘nearly touch’ AGAIN tonight, how to watch and what does it mean?

HOW DOES THE GREAT CONJUNCTION WORK?

THE GREAT CONJUNCTION SEEN IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL

WHAT IS THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM?

In a rare astrological event, which has not occurred since the Middle Ages, planets Saturn and Jupiter are set to align, appearing to almost kiss each other in a dazzling display.

Some experts suggest this celestial phenomenon could be the star that kings Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar are said to have followed over 2,000 years ago.

The story is told in the Gospel of Matthew. In his account, the wise men arrive in Jerusalem and say to King Herod: “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.”

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS IN STROUD

WHAT DOES THE GREAT CONJUNCTION MEAN FOR MY STAR SIGN?

WATER SIGNS - CANCER, SCORPIO, PISCES

This is a period of “inner healing” leaving your heart feeling “more whole than it has for a long time”, says Allure.

The conjunction will teach you that it is safe to open up, trust and feel good.

HOW RARE IS THE GREAT CONJUNCTION?

The Great conjunction occurs every twenty years or so and is when both Jupiter and Saturn align at the same degree of the zodiac.

Next week's Great Conjunction will not be matched until March 15, 2080, so this might just be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

A Great Conjunction similar to the one we will see on Monday has not been seen for 800 years.

WHAT TIME CAN I SEE THE 'CHRISTMAS STAR' IN THE US?

Star gazers should look at a clear part of southwestern sky around an hour after sunset as the planets will set below the horizon quickly.

NASA said in the statement that Saturn will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter in the run up to the Great Conjunction on December 21, 2020.

The planets will then reverse their positions in the sky.

Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen in areas with clear skies and no cloud cover — and even from most cities across the US.

This also means that the event can be seen with the naked eye - but NASA say binoculars or a small telescope may allow gazers to see Jupiter's four large moons.

HOW MANY DAYLIGHT HOURS ARE IN THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR?

The number of daylight hours on the shortest day is, of course, shorter than other days of the year.

On December 21 2020, there is 7 hours, 49 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight.

The shortest day is some 8 hours, 48 minutes and 38 seconds shorter than the summer solstice - the longest day of the year when daylight hours are at a maximum.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR?

The shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere always occurs in December.

But it's timing varies as each year passes.

This is because there are 365.25 days in our calendar year, or how long it takes for the earth to orbit the sun.

WHAT TIME IS THE SUNSET TODAY IN THE UK?

This year’s winter solstice - the point where the sun is lowest in the sky - will take place on Monday 21 December.

The exact moment sunrise occurs will take place around 10.02am according to the Royal Museum Greenwich website.

In the Northern Hemisphere, in London the sun will set at approximately 15:53.

The winter solstice marks the end of autumn and the advent of winter.

But solstice will now mark the gradual increase of daylight and shorter nights.

IN PICTURES: Jupiter the closest distance to Saturn since July 1623, as seen in central Seoul, South Korea

GREAT CONJUNCTION EXPLAINED

WHAT DOES THE CONJUNCTION MEAN FOR MY STAR SIGN?

AIR SIGNS - GEMINI, LIBRA, AQUARIUS

This is a time to be selfish, have some fun and “prioritise pleasure” according to Allure.

It is time to dream big and enter into new things, even if they are big and scary. But don’t see it as something to stress about, just think of this new chapter as an adventure.

WATCH THIS SPACE

An extraordinary stargazing event is happening this evening and Nasa has provided tips so you don't miss out.

Jupiter and Saturn are about to come so close together in the sky they'll form a once in a lifetime 'double star' phenomenon.

Nasa said: "Monday evening, the bright planet Jupiter and the fainter planet Saturn will appear nearest to each other, about one-tenth of a degree apart.

"As evening twilight ends (at 5:53 p.m. EST for the Washington, D.C. area) they will appear about 12 degrees above the southwestern horizon.

"This should be a spectacular view with either the naked eye, or with a backyard telescope."

THE TWO PLANETS SEEN IN KENT, UK LAST NIGHT

HOW RARE IS THE GREAT CONJUNCTION?

The Great conjunction occurs every twenty years or so and is when both Jupiter and Saturn align at the same degree of the zodiac.

Next week's Great Conjunction will not be matched until March 15, 2080, so this might just be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

A Great Conjunction similar to the one we will see on Monday has not been seen for 800 years.

On December 21, the Christmas Star will dip below the horizon by 6.30 pm GMT.

WHERE IN THE UK CAN I SEE THE GREAT CONJUNCTION?

If you want to see the Great Conjunction with Jupiter and Saturn, it is best to be in an open outdoor space where there is minimal light pollution.

You will also need to hope that there are clear skies this evening for the best chance to see the phenomenom.

An hour after sunset - which is at 3.54pm in London - look low down in the western sky and below the Capricornus constellation.

You can also use a number of night sky scanning apps to help point you in the right direction, including SkyView and Star Walk.

WHAT ABOUT EARTH SIGNS- WHAT DOES THE CONJUNCTION MEAN FOR ME?

EARTH SIGNS - TAURUS, VIRGO, CAPRICORN

Those with an earth star sign can expect some career progression following the conjunction.

You will have to leave your “comfort zone” to really reap the benefits but if you do you can expect to enjoy the rewards for years to come.

WHAT DOES THE GREAT CONJUNCTION MEAN FOR ASTROLOGY ADN YOUR SIGN?

FIRE SIGNS - ARIES, LEO, SAGITTARIUS

According to , those who have been suffering in the relationship department will see a turnaround following the conjunction.

Expect new people to enter your social circle and to form friendships, or relationships with “kindred spirits.”

WHAT TIME CAN WE SEE THE CONJUNCTION TONIGHT?

The exact time you can see the Christmas star depends on where you are in the country but it should be visible around 4pm. (UK time)

WHEN CAN WE SEE JUPITER AND SATURN CONVERGING?

The last time Saturn and Jupiter could be seen so clearly and closely together was 800 years ago.

The planets will align on the afternoon of Monday December 21, 2020.

Dr Roberty Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, tells The Sun: “It is a rare and spectacular event which is free, so why not go enjoy it because lockdown can’t stop it.”

Here, Dr Massey explains everything you need to know about Monday’s heavenly coming together.

WHAT IS THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM?

In a rare astrological event, which has not occurred since the Middle Ages, planets Saturn and Jupiter are set to align, appearing to almost kiss each other in a dazzling display.

Some experts suggest this celestial phenomenon could be the star that kings Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar are said to have followed over 2,000 years ago.

The story is told in the Gospel of Matthew. In his account, the wise men arrive in Jerusalem and say to King Herod: “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.”

SUNSET IN STONEHENGE ON DECEMBER 20

WHERE IS BEST TO WATCH THE EVENT?

It is important to have a clear view of the horizon - high ground is best to avoid trees and tall buildings.

That might mean standing in the nearest park or finding a street from which you can clearly see the sun setting.

DO I NEED SPECIALIST EQUIPTMENT?

There is some discussion as to whether you will see the planets as two objects or one because they are so close together.

It may well depend on the quality of your eyesight.

If your vision is sharp you may be able to make out that they are two planets.

If not, they will probably be a strange-shaped object, or just a single dot.

If you pick up a pair of binoculars or a small telescope you will definitely be able to see they are two objects.

With a good telescope you will be able to see Saturn’s rings and the weather patterns on Jupiter.