Wigan astronomer speaks about amazing conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

Dr Alex Binks, who was brought up in Appley Bridge and now works at Keele University in Staffordshire, is raising awareness of the Great Conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, an event which happens roughly once every 400 years.

The two planets will come to the closest point in their orbits on December 21 and researcher in astronomy Dr Binks has explained how borough residents can spot it.

The last time a conjunction like this happened was in 1623 and Dr Binks says the event is a reminder of the vast size and scale of our solar system and outer space.

The former Shevington High School and Winstanley College student said: “An event like this really does give us a sense of perspective.

“When you see this on the plane of the sky it makes you think how big the orbits of these planets are, even within our solar system.

“The space between the planets is just immense. It really gives you a perspective of where we are on Earth. It also just looks cool.

“The conjunction happens at 6.37pm on December 24. It will be observable in Wigan between about 4pm and 6pm, before it dips below the horizon.

“It’s going to be in the south west direction.

“With your eyes you will be able to see Jupiter and Saturn as two bright white dots, almost like one large dot.

“If you get a standard digital camera you will be able to pick out some interesting features, like Saturn’s rings or several of Jupiter’s largest moons.

“It will be only just over the horizon, so you will need to be in an area without too many high-rise buildings.”

On December 21 Jupiter and Saturn will pass within two degrees of each other, equivalent to about four diameters of the Moon.

The last time this happened the world was a very different place. James I was on the throne of England and Scotland, settlers were still arriving on the shores of the colonies of America and William Shakespeare had only died seven years previously, with the First Folio collecting his plays being published that year.

The Great Conjunction reaches even further back in history as it happened in 7 BC, which has led some people to suggest that the planets close together was what the Magi saw and what became the Star of Bethlehem in the Christmas story.

While for most Wiganers this will be a once-in-a-lifetime event some younger residents may experience another similar close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 2080.

The two planets will, weather permitting, also be visible in the sky in the next week as their paths come closer together.

Dr Binks is also joining colleagues in using this amazing event as a way of increasing interest in science. Budding astronomers are being encouraged to get out in their gardens or outside and snap the best pictures of the two planets they can.

An online event is also going to be running on Youtube next Monday to mark the conjunction.

Email pictures of the planets to [email protected]

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