[ngc6656]

Oddly missing from the article is the date of the gathering of the planets in Aries, and the identities of the planets. Not to worry, planetarium-type computer software makes it easy to check it out for oneself.

Between the years 10 BC and 10 AD there were no gatherings of four of the visible planets in the Sun's glare while it was in the constellation of Aries. The generally accepted definition of "lost within the Sun's glare" is that time during which a planet is 15 degrees or less east or west of the Sun.

Further confusing the issue is the mention of the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 as near the calendar date of the birth of Christ. The Sun was in Aries in late March and early April during that era, not around January 6.

[Graymatter]

Late March to early April is when the mysterious hui star of 5 BC was first observed.