MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SCIENCE

What is 'The Great Conjunction'? Here's why the rare alignment of Jupiter and Saturn is dubbed 'legendary party'

Suspecting a theory, a user wrote, 'The story of 2020 is coming to an end and the final boss will be met with the eclipse and the great conjunction'

Either via astrologers or through social media, you've probably heard of the "Age of Aquarius" at one point or another. There are lots of discussions about what truly is indicated by the dawning of the "Age of Aquarius" in astrology, but many horoscopists believe that it refers to 2020's rare alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, also known as "The Great Conjunction". Let's take a look at what this phenomenon is, when will it occur and at what time can you witness it in certain cities and countries. 

What is The Great Conjunction?

This will be the first time in 400 years that humans will be able to experience this particular alignment. 'The Great Conjunction' symbolizes extreme shifts on the horizon for all zodiac signs. According to a report by NASA, "On December 21st, the two giant planets (Jupiter and Saturn) will appear just a tenth of a degree apart – that's about the thickness of a dime held at arm's length! This means the two planets and their moons will be visible in the same field of view through binoculars or a small telescope. In fact, Saturn will appear as close to Jupiter as some of Jupiter's moons. This event is called a "great conjunction." These occur every 20 years this century as the orbits of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn periodically align making these two outer planets appear close together in our nighttime sky. Even so, this is the "greatest" great conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn for the next 60 years, with the two planets not appearing this close in the sky until 2080." This grand astronomical event will take place within the sign of Aquarius.

When will it happen?

The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the zodiac sign of Aquarius takes place at these times. Adjust for your city:

The United Kingdom 1:30 PM – December 21

Hobart 12:30 AM into Tuesday, December 22

New York 8:30 AM – December 21

Los Angeles 5:30 AM – December 21

Sydney 12:30 AM into Tuesday, December 22

Melbourne 12:30 AM into Tuesday, December 22

As soon as the stargazers came to know about the upcoming "biggest day" people started talking about it on social media, as one Internet user said, "ask for some binoculars for Christmas so y’all can see the Great Conjunction on December 21s." While another one said, "make sure to go check out saturn and jupiter. first great conjunction since the middle ages on the winter solstice !!!"

While one cryptically wrote, "if anyone is going to throw a legendary party as the world is ending, it’s definitely going to be me. the great conjunction is upon us. the mayans knew what was up!" Sharing a picture, another one said, "'Great conjunction' of Jupiter and Saturn will form a 'Christmas Star' on the winter solstice; will be seen near the southwest horizon in the hour after sunset slowly getting closer with each passing night."

Suspecting a theory one said, "Is it a coincidence that Tesla's inclusion date is the same as the great conjunction ?" While another one said, "I believe the story of 2020 is coming to an end and the final boss will be met with the eclipse and the great conjunction. If you're feeling exhausted or stressed know that these final tests are here to push you to do something outside of your comfort zone. it's time to level up."