Planets align for extraordinary 'Christmas star' solstice spectacle next Monday

Louis and Teddy Kang, Rockboro NS, looking at a projection of Jupiter in the planetarium in Blackrock Castle Observatory for CIT Innovation Week. Picture: Darragh Kane

One of Ireland’s leading astronomers has urged people to get their binoculars out for a spectacular event on Monday — an event in our solar system so rare that it can take decades to get a good view.

Education and outreach officer at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO) Frances McCarthy told the Irish Examiner that Jupiter and Saturn meeting in such proximity on December 21 would be a treat for those gazing in wonder at the sky.