The Christmas Star, Still Pondering It Today

Mary Coleman
Reference Specialist

In this busy Christmas and Holiday season there are often articles about the Christmas Star that led the Magi to Bethlehem, as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. This topic is ever a popular one for college term papers in astronomy classes as well.

When I took such a class, the prevailing professional opinion about the powerful nativity symbol as an actual event, was that the bright celestial light may have been the conjunction of two planets and a star at the helical arise (near dawn). The most likely planet candidates were the planets Jupiter (the King’s planet in ancient times) and Venus, the Roman goddess of motherhood. The probable star was Regulus (ruler or lawgiver) of the constellation Leo the Lion (the constellation of kings). This star also had astrological connections to the Lion of Judah. Other theories posit the bright stellar appearance to a meteor, an asteroid, a comet, an aurora, a supernova, an occultation, ball lightning, a miracle, or simply, a myth. Various calculations have been made, based on historical and astrological records, historical personages (Herod and Augustus), and the now better understood nature of astronomical phenomena. The results indicate that the Christmas Star could have appeared anytime from 12 B.C. to 2 B.C. Obviously, these dates have implications as to the actual birth year of Jesus.

Our ancient ancestors applied the concept/term, “star,” to just about any nighttime light. As is well known, they ascribed portents, special meanings, life paths, and the like, to astronomical objects, movements, and unusual celestial events. Today, the science of astronomy seeks still to unravel the mysteries of the heavens. Hickory Public Library has many resources about space and astronomy, some of which are listed below. Whether you want to learn more about the Christmas Star, are interested in Rover photos of Mars, or anything in-between, consider taking some time to enjoy some holiday reading, compliments of the Hickory Public Library.

• 271.7913 YOU Sacred Sites of the Knights Templar: the Ancient Secrets Hidden in Stonehenge, Rennes-le-Chateau, and Santiago de Compostela
• 520 DIC Nightwatch: a Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• 520 DRU Astronomical Enigmas: Life on Mars, the Star of Bethlehem and Other Milky Way Mysteries
• 520 GUT 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the Universe
• 520 RED Celestial Delights: the Best Astronomical Events Through 2001
• 523.8 MYS Mysteries of Deep Space (Video)
• 523.8 ZIM Stars: a Guide to the Constellation, Sun, Moon, Planets, and Other Features of the Heavens