Such a close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn hasn’t occurred since 1623. The Ursid meteor shower peak coincides with the winter solstice.
By Nicole Rosenthal, Patch Staff
NEW JERSEY — There’s no question: What happens in the sky the night of the winter solstice is sure to bring some joy in a year when it’s been hard to find in the Garden State.f Jupiter and Saturn will dance in a planetary conjunction, lining up perfectly to create the illusion of a “Christmas star.”null
The two bright planets have been visible in the evening sky for the past several nights as they move closer together, culminating on the night of Dec. 21, the winter solstice.
But if the solstice and the “great conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn aren’t enough to get you outside, the Ursid meteor shower will offer a show of shooting stars at the same time.
