The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
On Monday 21st December 2020, Jupiter and Saturn appeared close together in the night sky - the closest they had been for nearly 400 years. This was called the Great Conjunction.
Littleham Squilometre paired up with Boo To A Goose Theatre to bring a special production to Key Stage 1 pupils at Littleham Primary School. Children learned about space, the solar system and the Great Conjunction with the help of the "Space Cats" show!
We also provided information so that anyone could experience the Great Conjunction and learn more about space. Read on below to see what we shared during the project.
Littleham Squilometre paired up with Boo To A Goose Theatre to bring a special production to Key Stage 1 pupils at Littleham Primary School. Children learned about space, the solar system and the Great Conjunction with the help of the "Space Cats" show!
We also provided information so that anyone could experience the Great Conjunction and learn more about space. Read on below to see what we shared during the project.
How can you see the Great Conjunction?
As long as the weather stays clear, anyone can see the Great Conjunction. Find a place where you can see the horizon when you look south-west. Jupiter and Saturn will look like two bright stars, close together and low in the sky. You can look with a telescope, binoculars or just your eyes. You could also see photos or video online at jupitersaturn2020.org
When can you see it?
Between 4:30pm and 6pm each day, from 19th to 23rd December (so long as it's not cloudy!) The planets will be closest on 21st December.
What will you see?
By eye: Jupiter and Saturn will look like two bright stars, slowly getting closer together each night from now until 21st December.
Through good binoculars: You may see more detail of the planets as well as Jupiter's 4 largest moons
Through a small telescope: As well as Jupiter's 4 largest moons, you may be able to see the beautiful rings of Saturn and Saturn's largest moon, called Titan.
Online: Exeter University will share the view from their telescope at jupitersaturn2020.org Check this website for the date or sign up for email alerts.
Find out more by watching these spellbinding animations from local film-maker Dom Lee:
As long as the weather stays clear, anyone can see the Great Conjunction. Find a place where you can see the horizon when you look south-west. Jupiter and Saturn will look like two bright stars, close together and low in the sky. You can look with a telescope, binoculars or just your eyes. You could also see photos or video online at jupitersaturn2020.org
When can you see it?
Between 4:30pm and 6pm each day, from 19th to 23rd December (so long as it's not cloudy!) The planets will be closest on 21st December.
What will you see?
By eye: Jupiter and Saturn will look like two bright stars, slowly getting closer together each night from now until 21st December.
Through good binoculars: You may see more detail of the planets as well as Jupiter's 4 largest moons
Through a small telescope: As well as Jupiter's 4 largest moons, you may be able to see the beautiful rings of Saturn and Saturn's largest moon, called Titan.
Online: Exeter University will share the view from their telescope at jupitersaturn2020.org Check this website for the date or sign up for email alerts.
Find out more by watching these spellbinding animations from local film-maker Dom Lee:
Interwoven Productions CIC has secured this project for Littleham Squilometre by working in partnership with the University of Exeter Astrophysics Department, the UK Institute of Physics South West Branch and Exeter Science Centre.