Jupiter became the new "Star of Bethlehem": the inhabitants of the Earth saw an incredible sight in the sky. Photo
On Saturday, December 7, the world's inhabitants saw an incredible spectacle – Jupiter shone in the night sky and became the new "Star of Bethlehem." This bright astronomical phenomenon will be visible until the end of the month.
According to astronomers, Jupiter is located opposite the Sun, which means it captures all the light from the hot star. Therefore, the gas giant could be seen 1-2 hours after sunset, The Washington Post reports.
Jupiter from the James Webb Space Telescope.
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Is this astronomical phenomenon common
According to astronomers, Jupiter "reaches opposition" approximately every 13 months and orbits the Sun in 12 Earth years. This means that in 1 year, it travels only 1/12th of its way.
Jupiter passes by the Earth every 13 months.
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Instead, it takes the Earth a whole year to complete a revolution around the Sun. That is, our planet needs to go another 1/12th of the way around the Sun to catch up with Jupiter, scientists say.
Scientists emphasize that every 13 months the Earth "slides" between the Sun and Jupiter. This is how planetary opposition occurs.
Since this year's "confrontation" occurred on December 7, 2025, earthlings will not see Jupiter, scientists say. The gas giant's approach to Earth will take place on January 10, 2026.
Astronomers emphasize that Jupiter can be seen in the night sky at least until the end of December. However, to observe it, the sky must be clear.
Jupiter will be visible from Earth until the end of December.
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Why Jupiter is the "Christmas star"
Some people call the rising of Jupiter the Star of Bethlehem because according to the biblical story, a bright "star from the east" rose and led three wise men to the newborn Jesus.
However, scientists have put forward other hypotheses. Perhaps it was the explosive death of a star. Or the convergence of two planets, Jupiter and Saturn, which was recorded around 7 BC.
Also, it may have been the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, which took place 3 years BC. Scientists claim that it was brighter.
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