Join Edelman Planetarium for rare astronomical event

On Monday, Dec. 21, Rowan University’s Ric and Jean Edelman Planetarium and students in the Physics & Astronomy Club will offer the public an opportunity to safely view an extraordinary astronomical phenomenon—the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. 

To the naked eye, the planets will appear as a magnificent bright star shortly after sunset. Through a telescope, viewers will see both planets at the same time.

“The last time this happened was in 1623, only 15 years after Galileo used the telescope for the first time,” said Amy Barraclough, the planetarium’s director. 

With the University’s observatory closed due to the pandemic, the planetarium will livestream the historic event. Up to 300 registered guests will be able to join the planetarium’s Zoom session, where hosts can answer questions from the public. Others can watch the session live on Facebook.

Streaming will begin at 6 p.m. ET.

To register for the Zoom event, visit the meeting registration page. 

Or watch live on Facebook here.

The planetarium also offers a continuing Cabin Fever Astronomy series to encourage viewers to head outside and look up. The series of short videos include information about space-related celebrations and things to see in the night sky. New videos are posted periodically on the planetarium’s Facebook page.

The series is designed to help viewers enjoy starry wonders at home without the need for special equipment, like telescopes or binoculars, Barraclough said. A recent video gave viewers a chance to view the night sky live through the observatory’s telescopes, featuring commentary from Barraclough and planetarium assistant Ben West.   

The videos are recorded, so viewers can watch at any time, Barraclough said. 

“You don’t have to drive anywhere,” Barraclough said. “You can sit in your living room in your pajamas, go outside and look.” 

To find special virtual events and updates, follow the planetarium’s Facebook page or sign up for its Cosmic Times newsletter at rowan.edu/planetarium