Mystical Bethlehem Star To Be Seen Again After 800 Years (2024)

FAQs

Will the Star of Bethlehem be visible again? ›

Although the cosmic “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” was visible for people to see for the first time in 800 years last year in 2020, we will not be able to see it this year. The spectacularly rare shining 'star' -- really a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter -- will not appear again until March 15, 2080.

A brighter 'Christmas Star' is coming

A conjunction between Mars and Saturn on April 5, 2022.

The last time that such an event occurred was on March 4, 1226, and the next one will take place in 2080.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Star of Bethlehem is interpreted as a miraculous event of symbolic and pedagogical significance, regardless of whether it coincides with a natural phenomenon; a sign sent by God to lead the Magi to the Christ Child.

The star will be visible in the southwest portion of the sky about 45 minutes after sunset in the northern hemisphere on Dec. 21.

The story of the Star of Bethlehem appears only in the Book of Matthew. The gospel tells us that a bright star appeared in the eastern sky when Jesus was born, famously seen by a group of wise men. These biblical "Magi," sometimes called kings, now adorn nativity scenes around the world.

Everyone on Earth will be able to see Jupiter and Saturn combine to make one singular light in the night sky, which is known as the Star of Bethlehem. Christian tradition explains that this star guided the Three Kings to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

When and where will the Star of Bethlehem be seen? The symbolic Christmas Star will be visible from December 16 to 21, and can be observed anywhere in the world, although in better conditions in areas near the equator. The phenomenon can be seen one hour after sunset.

The Star of Bethlehem wasn't a comet or a supernova

We can also rule out novas and supernovas. Either event would have resulted in a detectable remnant, but astronomers have not found anything that might date back to this time.

The World English Bible translates the passage as: They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.

What star was in the sky when Jesus was born? ›

The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is a star in the Bible and Christian tradition that let the Magi know that Jesus was born, and later helped them go to Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the star made the magi travel to Jerusalem.

The star failed to catch the attention of the general public. After the star appeared to the Magi to lead them to Bethlehem, it disappeared and reappeared.

Many Bible scholars believe that the Star of Bethlehem was a miracle in the sense that God arranged parts of his natural creation in space to make an unusual phenomenon occur on the first Christmas.

Star of Bethlehem, celestial phenomenon mentioned in the Gospel According to Matthew as leading “wise men from the East” to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Jupiter, Saturn align perfectly to create rare star on winter solstice. With this year's winter solstice comes more than just confirmation of our already-cold weather and ever-fleeting daylight: The rare “Christmas Star” will be visible for the first time in 800 years.

Because God did not create the stars to give us insights into the future, but to witness His power and glory. "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1).

Explanation 1: the Christmas star was a nova or supernova explosion. The idea that the Magi saw a nova or supernova explosion was hinted at by 17th century astronomer, Johannes Kepler, and has had many supporters since. However, there is no Western record of such an event.

Taken literally, however, the account of the star in the book of St. Matthew actually calls for two “stars.” One to start the Wise Men on their long journey, the other appearing when they arrived in Bethlehem.

The date of birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical sources but most biblical scholars assume a year of birth between 6 and 4 BC.

Star of David, Hebrew Magen David (“Shield of David”), Magen also spelled Mogen, Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star.

What month did the star of Bethlehem appear? ›

Thus the latest date for the Magi to have seen the `star' at Bethlehem was April 6 plus 70 days, i.e. June I 5, and the latest date for the birth of Jesus is this date minus 6 weeks, i.e. May 4.

When and where will the Star of Bethlehem be seen? The symbolic Christmas Star will be visible from December 16 to 21, and can be observed anywhere in the world, although in better conditions in areas near the equator. The phenomenon can be seen one hour after sunset.

The star failed to catch the attention of the general public. After the star appeared to the Magi to lead them to Bethlehem, it disappeared and reappeared.

When And Where To View. On the evening of December 21st, about 45 minutes after sunset (local time), look low toward the southwest horizon.

Star of Bethlehem, celestial phenomenon mentioned in the Gospel According to Matthew as leading “wise men from the East” to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

They travelled to Jerusalem, a journey time of 1-2 months, and saw the comet in the south in the morning sky as they travelled from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The comet continued to move to the west and became invisible after 70 + days.