21 Dec 2020

Time running out to see 'Bethlehem Star' in NZ night sky

From Morning Report, 8:56 am on 21 December 2020

The giants of our solar system have aligned, giving New Zealand star gazers a chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

It's hundreds of years since Jupiter and Saturn have appeared this close together - as viewed from earth - and it will a long time before it happens again.

It's known by some as the "Bethlehem Star".

Dr Ian Griffin is a noted astronomer and director of the Otago museum.