The two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn are aligning on 21 December and Malaysian astronomy enthusiasts are doing all they can to make sure Malaysians get to see it too.

Astronomy communicator Emma Zulaiha Zulkifli could hardly contain her excitement when speaking to Rojak Daily about the phenomenon which has been called ‘The Great Conjunction’.

“I am beyond excited because the last time these two giant planets aligned like this was 800 years ago!

“Just imagine, Jupiter is 318 times bigger than earth! It’s going to be amazing,” she added enthusiastically.

Live-streams to capture 'The Great Conjunction'

Emma said that to ensure that as many people in Malaysia get to view the momentous event, a few teams namely from Sabah, Kelantan and Penang have been tasked to capture the phenomenon and live-stream it.

“It’s the monsoon season, so we didn’t want to take any chances. The Sabah Stargazers (Sabah), Persatuan Falak Amatur Kelantan (Kelantan), Astronomical Society of Penang (Penang) will all be capturing ‘The Great Conjunction’.

“If it’s cloudy or rainy at one of the viewing points, we will be able to capture it from another,” she said adding that the Mufti offices from Penang and Sabah were also aiding with the initiative.


Emma explained that Malaysians would be able to see the phenomenon from anywhere in the country, but it would be best to view it from a telescope or even using a pair of binoculars.

“To the naked eye, the planets aligning will look like a really really bright star.

“If you look at it using a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you will not only be able to see both the planets but you will be able to spot their moons as well,” she exclaimed.

(A quick check on Nasa's site showed that Jupiter has 79 moons while Saturn has 53 moons. There are also quite a number of moons that are awaiting confirmation.)

So cool right!

To ensure that as many people can enjoy this fantastic event, Emma said that feeds from the various astronomy associations would be live-streamed via Dark Sky Malaysia’s Facebook page.

“You will be able to see The Great Conjunction as soon as the sun sets on 21 December.

“If you join our live-stream, we will have commentary from experts talking about the phenomenon, and we will be also be answering questions from viewers,” she said.

For those with their own viewing equipment, Emma's advice is to find a nice spot that has an unobstructed view of the horizon.

"We will have to wait hundreds and hundreds of years for something like this to happen again.

"You just have to watch it and end 2020 on a positive note," she said.