By The Christmas “star” will reappear after 800 years
The Christmas “star” or the Star of Bethlehem as we all came to know it was taken from the story of the three Magi who traveled from faraway lands to visit Jesus Christ. Of course, while there is no clear mention of the three Magi in the Bible this is one of the stories that was passed down from generation to generation.
The Scientific Explanation of the Christmas Star
In the stories, the Christmas star was said to have guided the Magi in their journey to see baby Jesus. While there was no mention of what the star really is, the stories gave an impression that it shone brightly to stand out among other stars in the sky. There is no conclusive evidence on what kind of star it was when it appeared. However, there were several explanations:
- It was a Comet – this explanation was derived from the three Magi story that the star “moved” as it guided the Magi. However, historical accounts including Chinese records are inconclusive on the presence of the comet during the said time when Jesus was born.
- It was an Exploding star – an exploding star or a supernova could “light up” the sky. A supernova is said to be the final breath of a star before it’s light flickers out. Because of the very bright light that a supernova emits, it could very well be the “star” that the Magi saw on that night.
- It is a conjunction of planets – Conjunction is when two planets or even a star are aligned and appear close enough which may be seen from earth as one object. There were two conjunction explanations one, is that at the time of the birth of Jesus there was a conjunction between Venus, Jupiter, and the star Regulus. The other is the conjunction of the planets, Jupiter and Saturn. The latter is the astronomical event that will happen again in 2020 after 800 years.
The Christmas Star December 2020
After 800 years, Jupiter and Saturn will align and such alignment will form a conjunction that might make these two planets appear as one in the night sky. This conjunction forming the “Christmas star” will happen on December 21, 2020.
What is so rare about the 2020 Christmas Star?
Of course, these planetary alignment happens all the time, such Jupiter and Saturn conjunction will happen again after 60 years around May 2080. However, the 2020 conjunction is happening during the Christmas season thus aptly named the Christmas “star”.
How to see the Christmas Star?
Well unlike watching meteor showers, you do not have to wake up at 1am just to witness this astronomical phenomenon. The Saturn and Jupiter conjunction can be seen in the night sky 45 minutes after the sunset. So better wish for good weather and cloudless sky if you want to see it.
Where to look?
If you are having difficulties looking for the Christmas star, there are several apps that you can download to direct you on where to look during an astronomical phenomenon such as this.
Apps for Stargazing (or Website too)
Here are some apps you can use to help you “find your way among the stars”:
In Conclusion
While some would say that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas. Wouldn’t it be nice if for once, we at least believe that the appearance of the Christmas “star” after 800 years is a sign of faith and hope. In the three Magi story, the Star of Bethlehem was a symbol of faith, believing without seeing that they will find the King of Kings if they follow the star, and as the star shone brightly in the sky they are getting closer to their destination. We could all use faith and hope right now as we all try to survive the pandemic, so maybe just this once on December 21, 2020, let’s lookup in the sky with faith and hope.
How do you feel about this?
