Planets to align for first time in centuries in ‘Christmas star’ effect

(International Dark Sky Association/PA)

Stargazers could spot a bright light in the sky days before Christmas, similar to that which is said to have led the three wise men to the nativity scene, according to an astronomer.

Saturn and Jupiter will come the closest they have done in hundreds of years, creating what the researcher described as a “spectacular event in the sky” on Monday – which also happens to be the winter solstice.