In NASA's infrared picture, planet appears dark because sunlight is absorbed by atmosphere's methane, while icy rings shine

The 'great conjunction' where two largest planets appear to kiss in the heavens, is visible for first time since 1226

The planets align in a rare celestial dance -- more than 730 million kilometers apart, but closer to each other than at any time in almost 400 years

Monday night will be closest visible conjunction of the two heavenly bodies since Genghis Khan was conquering Asia in 1226; next chance to see will be in 2080