According to Markus Janson, the planets can come so close to each other because they move in the same orbit, but at different distances.
- They move in their orbits, Jupiter has a orbit of 12 years and Saturn has one of 29 years. This means that they are usually in completely different places.
- Jupiter has to do a full lap around the sun and then a little more to catch up with Saturn, he continues.
"Will be close to each other for quite some time"For those who missed seeing the phenomenon in the starry sky on May 12, there is still a chance.
- You can still see all three at the same time and also Mars. But in that case you have to be up very early in the morning and have a free horizon south, says Markus Janson.
- Seeing them for a few more nights, then the moon goes too low for a period. Jupiter and Saturn will be close to each other for quite some time as they move so slowly. They will be visible all night from dawn to dusk during much of the summer.
See more in the clip above.