News Editor 

An ultra rare “christmas star” and bizarre weather combined yesterday, making it difficult for New Jersians to see the astronomical phenomenon, according to NJ.com. 

Otherwise known as the “star of Bethlehem”, the Saturn-Jupiter planetary conjecture was visible on the eastern coast on Monday, Dec. 21, as a big, twinkling star. According to CNN, the two planets haven’t appeared this close since March 4, 1226 — nearly 800 years! 

Yet, weather spoiled the sight for New Jersey by covering the sky with heavy clouds in preparation for light snow showers.

For those who missed it’s peak debut, experts say that it may be visible again tonight shortly after sunset. 

“They’ll still be really close, but not as close as they are today…. They’ll still look very, very close together,” Amie Gallagher, director of the planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College, said to NJ.com. 

As one of the last updates before the holidays, students and staff prepare to wind down with their close ones for the holiday season. 

The stakes continue to rise with the second wave sweeping the nation. 

251 new positive COVID-19 cases increased in Bergen county, adding to the county’s total of 43,626 cases, reports the official Bergen County site. New Jersey witnessed an increase in 3,171 positive COVID-19 cases since yesterday, adding to a total of over 438k cases, according to The New York Times. 

The road to normality starts with the vaccination of essential workers and the elderly. However, New Jersey health commissioner Judith Persichilli admitted to the state missing the deadline for federal approval — therefore vaccinations cannot begin in nursing homes until Dec. 28, reports Patch.com. 

It is unclear whether this blip will affect the state’s greater plan to vaccinate 70% of New Jersey’s adult population by April-May, Patch.com also said. 

The Equinox will be hosting two live blogs for basketball today: men’s team at 3 p.m. and women’s at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out!

Come back tomorrow at 10 a.m. for the last daily news update before the break!

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Photo courtesy of Ted. S. Warren with AP.