Great conjunction

As Great Conjunction is defined as the conjunction ( approach or contact the night sky as seen from the Earth ) between the planets Jupiter and Saturn. The last Great Conjunction was in 2000, the next one will take place in 2020.

This approximately 20 - year period is related to the orbital periods of the two giant planets, which account for 11.86 and 29.46 years. The constellation in which takes place this apparent match, moves each time about one-third of the night sky - so around 4 Zodiac sign - and then suggests some astrologers to be predictions.

Because the two orbital periods are in the ratio 2:5, almost exactly, the Great Conjunction occurs at intervals of about 60 years at a similar point of the starry sky one: Jupiter then did 5 rounds, however, Saturn 2 If they are close to the opposition at the same time, layered this movement with the two annual planetary grinding: As a result, can take place in less than a year even three encounters. This is called Largest conjunction. Their occurrence is very rare and has no periodicity. The last time was the largest conjunction 1940/41, and 1981. The next largest Conjunction place again until 2238/39 instead.

Many astronomers and historians suggest that such a phenomenon of the "Star of Bethlehem " at Jesus' birth was ( 7-6 BC). Jupiter stands for a king, Saturn for the Jews and the constellation of Pisces for Palestine.