Night Sky Watching in Korenica - the Great Conjunction!

On Dec. 21, 2020, look up in the south-west direction just after sunset and witness a rare astronomical phenomenon not seen since 1623! The solar system’s giant planets Saturn and Jupiter will be about one-tenth of a degree apart, their closest approach since 1623 - during the event called the “Great Conjunction”.

The two planets will come super close together appearing as a single star or a “double planet” and will produce a significant amount of light. You can observe the “star” on any position on Earth, clear skies dependent of course. The best chance to get a view of the brightest light in the heavens will be on December 21. So during your preparations for the holiday season, take a break from gloomy events on the surface of our planet and add some magic into your life. Jupiter will be the brighter planet with Saturn appearing dimmer just a mere 0.1° to the right. Both of the solar system’s giants will be gone from the night sky by Christmas. This great conjunction deserves extra attention – so don't forget to add it to your to-do list.

Throughout the year, the Astronomical Society Korenica is welcoming all who want to learn more about astronomy or to look at the night sky through a telescope. The Society also organizes lectures and courses, public observations of important astronomical events, and provides accommodation for those who need it. On the same address, and under construction, is the future Astronomical Observatory Korenica with a large rotating dome (they say it will be the largest dome in the region!). Until then, and then, you will be under an expert guidance of Mr. Nikola Mazarekić.

Arrange the astronomical get together:
Astronomsko drustvo Korenica
Josip Jovic 87, Korenica
Phone: +385(0)53 776-537
E-mail: nikola@adk.hr
Web: http://www.adk.hr/index.php

A brand new 4* design hotel Lyra in the village of Licko Petrovo Selo has installed telescopes in the garden, and in all of the rooftop rooms. They emphasize the fact that this location has one of the smallest amount of light pollution in continental Europe, and also discover the origin of the hotel's name. Namely, the constellation Lyra, one of the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy, is clearly visible in the Northern Hemisphere above the hotel. Although a smaller constellation, Lyra is adorned with the fifth brightest star in the sky and second brightest star in the northern hemisphere - Vega! The constellation is best seen in June through October between latitudes +90 degrees and -40 degrees.

The Hotel has temporarily suspended operations!

Count the stars with Lyra team:
Hotel Lyra Plitvice Licko Petrovo Selo
Licko Petrovo Selo 52
Phone: +385(0)53 330-050
Web: https://www.hotelplitvice.com/en/night-sky-watching