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.
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:
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.
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”.
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.
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.
Here are some apps you can use to help you “find your way among the stars”:
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.
This website uses cookies.