[net.space] Conjunction question

sab@houca.UUCP (09/21/84)

A friend asked me to post this question:

When will the next conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter be
visible in the northern hemisphere?

Thanx.

Scott

Lynn.es@XEROX.ARPA (09/27/84)

Saturn and Jupiter conjunct (is that the right verb?) every twenty
years, usually once, but occasionally a triple in quick succession (few
months apart).  Such conjunctions are almost always visible in both
north/south entire hemispheres, at least within a day of conjunction,
with the exception of some of the polar regions.  I say almost because
maybe 10% of the time the conjunction occurs when they are essentially
behind the sun as seen from the earth.  I remember observing a
Saturn-Jupiter conjuction a few years ago (3 maybe?), so it is a long
wait for the next one.  I can look up the date tomorrow if "about 17
years" isn't close enough.
/Don Lynn