Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                              2020 December 20

                        A Volcanic Great Conjunction
                 Image Credit & Copyright: Francisco Sojuel

   Explanation: Where can I see the Great Conjunction? Near where the Sun
   just set. Directionally, this close passing of Jupiter and Saturn will
   be toward the southwest. Since the planetary pair, the Sun, and the
   Earth are nearly in a geometric straight line, the planets will be seen
   to set just where the Sun had set -- from every location on Earth. When
   can I see the Great Conjunction? Just after sunset. Since the two
   planets are so near the Sun directionally, they always appear in the
   sky near the Sun, but can best be seen when the Earth blocks the Sun
   but not the planets: sunset. Soon thereafter, Jupiter and Saturn will
   also set, so don't be late! Is tomorrow night the only night that I can
   see the Great Conjunction? Tomorrow night the jovian giants will appear
   the closest, but on any night over the next few days they will appear
   unusually close. Technically, the closest pass happens on 21 December
   at 18:20 UTC. Will there be an erupting volcano on the horizon near the
   Great Conjunction? Yes, for example if you live in Guatemala where the
   featured image was taken. Otherwise, generally, no. In the featured
   image captured last week, Jupiter and Saturn are visible toward the
   right, just above a tree, and bathed in the diffuse glow of zodiacal
   light.

    Growing Gallery: Notable images of the Great Conjunction submitted to
                                    APOD
                      Tomorrow's picture: one day short
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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                             & Michigan Tech. U.

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