Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is about to crouch for winter and the longest night of the year is supposed to happen. As the new beginning is about to occur, Google is ready for it with a Doodle of Winter solstice great conjunction.
The upcoming Doodle of Google is honoring the Winter solstice great conjunction, and by the way, it is inspired by an unusual show that Jupiter and Saturn have decided to put on for the world to see.
These two major planets of the solar system will nearly intersect to form a “double planet,” an event that rarely has happened. The last time this event occurred was since the Middle Ages—almost 800 years ago. Animated Doodle of Google celebrates the Northern Hemisphere’s first day of winter. At the same time, Google honors the rare occurrence of double planet sighting–or “Great Conjunction”–which can be viewed from anywhere around the globe!
If you are still wondering what is creating this celestial phenomenon, here is the answer.
Based on their orbits, from our observation point on Earth, Jupiter and Saturn will cross within .1 degrees of each other (a fraction of the width of the full moon), which is once-in-a-lifetime rendezvous recaptured in the Doodle artwork. Though it seems like Jupiter and Saturn are ovelapping, the two gas giants will actually remain at an enormous distance of approximately 450 million miles apart!
So look out low above the horizon tonight and take in this momentous meet-and-greet between Jupiter and Saturn. Definitely, it is sure to be out of this world!
