The Christmas Star of 2020

A great treat for your family tomorrow night as we reflect on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In the Southwest sky on Monday December 21st you will see the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. A rare event that hasn’t happened in hundreds of years that will show a bright star like image in the sky. This is a very amazing moment to reflect on as we look for hope in our Savior Jesus Christ who is the light of the world on the day of the Winter Solstice that will literally increase light into our world. Never have I seen the hand of God more clearly than I have this year.

Those who know me, know that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One interesting fact about this year is that it marks the 200th anniversary of what we refer to as “The First Vison”. Where a young boy of the age of 14 named Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ as he prayed for guidance. Joseph Smith was also born on December 23rd 1805 on the 8th day of Hanukah the day after the Winter Solstice, again showing a day of increased light into the world.

Below I have included information from the NASA’s website on how to view the star better. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and continue to see the light around you.

“For those who would like to see this phenomenon for themselves, here’s what to do: 

• Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park. Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.
• An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.
• The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet.

Each night, the two planets will appear closer low in the southwest in the hour after sunset as illustrated in the below graphic:”(NASA Website)

Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech (NASA Website)