Jupiter & Saturn - July Oppositions from the Sun

[CentaurZ]

When July begins, both Jupiter and Saturn will be rising about an hour after sunset. Jupiter will appear in opposition from the Sun during the night of July 13-14. Saturn will do so during the night of July 19-20. On their opposition dates they will appear out all night.

On December 21 the two will appear to have an angular separation of only 6.1 arcminutes, the narrowest since 1623 and until 2080. However, those separations are not small enough for Jupiter to occult Saturn. The last such occultation occurred in 6857 BC, while the next two will both occur during 7541.

Conjunctions between the two occur about every 20 years. That’s their mutual synodic (lapping) period with a mean value of 19.86 years. Sometimes the conjunctions are triple due to the effect of apparent retrograde motion, but not this time.

Photos and descriptions of Jupiter, Saturn and their natural satellites would be welcome additions to this thread.

Edited June 30, 2020 by CentaurZ

[Captain Scarlet]

3 hours ago, CentaurZ said:

On December 21 the two will appear to have an angular separation of only 6.1 arcminutes, the narrowest ... until 2080. However, those separations are not small enough for Jupiter to occult Saturn. ... the next ... will occur during 7541. ...

In the diary. Now, where's my elixir?

[MylesGibson]

On 30/06/2020 at 18:12, CentaurZ said:

On December 21 the two will appear to have an angular separation of only 6.1 arcminutes, the narrowest since 1623 and until 2080.

 

I have been looking forward to this for about 2 years! I just hope it doesn't get clouded out! 

[niallk]

Wow, imagine observing Jupiter occulting Saturn! 

[fate187]

Imagine Saturn occulting Jupiter 😵. Sorry couldn't help it 😜

[lukebl]

On 05/07/2020 at 23:20, niallk said:

Wow, imagine observing Jupiter occulting Saturn! 

Just hang on a bit. That'll happen on February 10th 7541.

[stuy]

Let’s all just hope for some good seeing 🙏🙏🙏🤞