Ok, so, it’s not an actual star, but tonight, during the winter solstice Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system will be closer than they have been since March 4, 1226.
During the past few months, the two planets have been drawing closer to one another, but tonight’s the night.
The conjunction will make it appear to be a giant star and because it is occurring just before Christmas, the once in a lifetime event has been dubbed the Christmas Star.
When and Where to Look
Get Ready, It will all happen just after sunset (4:26 p.m.) in the southwestern sky very low to the horizon. Find a place with a clear view and no obstructions (trees, etc) low to the southwest horizon about 45 minutes after sunset (5:11 p.m.)
This is how the event is described on NASA.gov
“An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.”
Hurry, because the two planets will sink below the horizon about two hours after sunset.