We can call this the “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” if we like. There was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC, but that, like this conjunction was visible in the west at sunset, while Matthew’s star (The Star of Bethlehem only appears in the Book of Matthew) appeared in the East. Astronomical debate about the Star of Bethlehem has simmered for about two millennia, without any truly satisfactory astronomical explanation.
There was a similar conjunction in the 1600s but it was difficult to see. So, there must be one about every 400 years, which would put one right around the birth of Christ.
I now work graveyards shifts again. They have begun playing old Art Bell radio show episodes on a local a.m. station and calling it Art Bell, Somewhere in Time.
The other day they had a 1998 episode which talked about the conjuction of Jupiter and Saturn and its significance throughout history.
The fella talking to Bell, who’s name ai did not catch, mentioned that the year Christ was born was the only known/recorded time that this had occurred 4 times in one year.
I found that interesting.
I am hoping the skys clear up in my area starting around the 18th and going through the 23rd.
Apparent the 21st the conjuction will be so close (.06 of a degree) that the two planets will not be individually discernable with the naked eye.....an article I read said that .06 degrees is the equivalent of a toothpick at arms length.
I know all the theories. My personal opinion is that it was a unique “unnatural” event. Anyhow...
I’m told that the literal translation of “we saw his star in the east” was “we of the the east saw his star and have come to worship”. In other words they(the wisemen) were east of Israel and looking westward.