Jupiter and Saturn will align on Monday night, but the weather will spoil the view
Stargazers and astronomers are in for a once in a lifetime experience on Monday evening if the weather plays along, as Jupiter and Saturn align for the first time since 1623 – and at night for the first time since 1226.
However, the weather may be against astronomers in the Netherlands this evening. The KNMI is expecting a cloudy day with some rain later on, which will disrupt the views.
Known as a ‘great conjunction’, two planets will appear so close to each other that it will be virtually impossible to see them as separate objects. To spot the planets, look for the brightest thing you can see just above the south-western horizon between 5pm and 6pm.
The planets can be seen with the naked eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope and the weather is clear, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet.
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