Sharjah24: The University of Sharjah’s Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST) organised a special observation of the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn – the largest two planets in our solar system. It will not be matched in this degree of closeness between both planets before 2080. This was on Monday December 21st, 2020 and started from 5:30pm at SAASST’s headquarters with the attendance of many researchers, students, and astronomy enthusiasts from all segments of the community.
SAASST ensured adherence to all issued precautionary measures and guidelines by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates in combating COVID-19. The Academy emphasised the safety of visitors while ensuring the continuity of providing scientific information and enabling the public to benefit from the Academy's resources.
This conjunction is the first conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn since 2000, and the closest between the two planets since 1623. Jupiter and Saturn were only 0.1 degrees apart, or 6 arc minutes – the equivalent to 0.2 of the Moon's diameter. It is worth noting that Saturn takes approximately 30 years to complete a full rotation around the Sun, while it takes Jupiter about 12 years. Thus, the two planets become close to each other every 20 years. The audience was able to watch the conjunction using the specialised mobile and fixed Sharjah Astronomical Observatory telescopes and using display screens as well. They also saw the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter and the vortices on its surface.
The Observatory team answered all the audience’s astronomy questions. SAASST is keen to educate the general community about the most important astronomical phenomena and developments in the field of space science and astronomy. In addition to enabling students, researchers, and the public to gain scientific knowledge in a practical, simplified manner. This in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah.
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