2020-12-21.mp4 < Premium ✦ >

: Sharp frames reveal Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s distinct rings.

: While visible to the eye, most high-quality "mp4" captures from this night used DSLRs with 600mm+ lenses or tracking mounts. 2020-12-21.mp4

: Subtle flickering caused by the Earth’s atmosphere as the planets sit low on the horizon. 🔭 Viewing Conditions : Sharp frames reveal Jupiter’s cloud bands and

: Tiny specks of light (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) are visible orbiting Jupiter. 🔭 Viewing Conditions : Tiny specks of light

: Footage likely begins shortly after sunset in the southwestern sky.

⭐ : This file is a digital time capsule of a "once-in-a-lifetime" astronomical rarity that won't happen this closely again until 2080.

On December 21, 2020, the sky hosted a "Great Conjunction" of Jupiter and Saturn, an event so rare it hadn't been this visible since the Middle Ages. This video captures the two largest planets in our solar system appearing as a single, brilliant "Christmas Star." The Celestial Event