Google Doodle observes Winter Solstice today — the shortest day and the longest evening of the year — a phenomena that happens when one particular of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.
The word “solstice” originated from the Latin solstitium which means “sun stands still”. In the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice requires spot involving December 19 and 23. This year it is on December 21.
After Winter Solstice, days get started becoming longer and nights shorter for individuals in the Northern Hemisphere. The reverse phenomena requires spot for individuals in the Southern Hemisphere.
This year’s Winter Solstice coincides with an additional particular astronomical occasion – the “Great Conjunction” of the Jupiter and Saturn.
On Monday evening, Jupiter and Saturn will be in a uncommon planetary alignment, appearing closer collectively in the evening sky in almost 800 years. They will not seem this close till 2080.
The animated Google Doodle exhibits Great Conjunction, wherein the Saturn and Jupiter meet up for a swift higher 5, and the Winter Solstice as the actually “snow capped” Earth watching the other two planets.
The occasion “Great Conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn is also getting referred to as the “Christmas Star of 2020.”
According to NASA, “the two planets will appear just a tenth of a degree apart” and such an occasion will not come about once more in the subsequent 60 years, that is, till 2080.
The celestial show is set to take spot immediately after almost 400 years “since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night,” says the NASA.
Skywatchers, you happen to be in for a when-in-a-lifetime treat! Jupiter & Saturn are performing a planetary dance that will outcome in the Great Conjunction on Dec 21, just immediately after sunset. Find out:
???? When and exactly where to appear up
???? How to photograph the conjunctionVisit: https://t.co/SdQSLex2Expic.twitter.com/DkaB5XyO9B
— NASA (@NASA) December 20, 2020
Astronomers say that conjunctions involving the two biggest planets in our solar program are not specifically uncommon. Jupiter passes its neighbour Saturn in their respective laps about the sun every single 20 years. But today’s celestial occasion is specifically close: Jupiter and Saturn will be just one particular-tenth of a degree apart from our point of view or about one particular-fifth the width of a complete moon. And if the climate permits, the planets really should be quickly visible about the planet a tiny immediately after sunset.
The planets will subsequent come comparably close on March 15, 2080. On the evening of December 21, their physical distance will be about 735 million km, Director of MP Birla Planetarium, Debi Prasad Duari, stated in a statement.