Star of Bethlehem: Cosmic Event, Comet, Nova or UFO?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the origins and nature of the Star of Bethlehem, with participants debating whether it was a cosmic event, such as a comet or nova, or a UFO. Key theories include the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Pisces around 7 BC, as well as the possibility of a comet being the guiding light for the Magi. Historical context suggests that the Magi, known as astrologers, interpreted celestial events as omens, which may have influenced their journey to Bethlehem. The conversation highlights the intersection of astronomy and astrology in ancient times, emphasizing the significance of celestial phenomena in religious narratives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astronomical events such as comets and novae.
  • Familiarity with astrological concepts, particularly planetary conjunctions.
  • Knowledge of historical timelines, specifically the birth of Christ and related events.
  • Awareness of the differences between astronomy and astrology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the astronomical significance of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 7 BC.
  • Explore the historical context of astrology in ancient cultures, particularly among the Magi.
  • Examine the implications of celestial events in religious texts and their interpretations.
  • Learn about the methods used in ancient astrology for charting celestial events.
USEFUL FOR

Historians, astronomers, astrologers, and anyone interested in the intersection of celestial events and religious narratives will benefit from this discussion.

  • #31
arildno said:
Happy Yuletide and sun-return to all of you! :smile:
omg, that is so Northern-hemispherist-centric.:-p
 
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  • #32
Baywax, I'd certainly buy a loose-language/backhanded reference to an astrological event. I've suspected something like that since it's not the first time I've seen reference to an "alignment" that isn't even close. All that can really be said is that all the visible planets are in the same quarter of the sky (which is still a remarkable event).
 
  • #33
russ_watters said:
I don't know if astronmers actually use it, but it's a navigation term: Closest Point of Approach.

Anyway, weird, but I may have gotten the wrong year there (they were similarly aligned 6AD on that date). Apparently, there was a solar eclipse on April 18th, but not for viewers in Israel. Here is roughly what they would have seen (if the sun had been eclipsed - since it is zoomed-out, the moon and sun sizes are exaggerated). Location: Tel Aviv. Still pretty cool.
Wow! That is pretty awesome. Not an alignment obviously, so it's hard to imagine anyone would call it a star, but it's still pretty impressive! Also, being mid-day, I imagine nothing would have been visible for people not in the umbra. Where would you have had to have been to see the solar eclipse?
 
  • #34
russ_watters said:
Baywax, I'd certainly buy a loose-language/backhanded reference to an astrological event. I've suspected something like that since it's not the first time I've seen reference to an "alignment" that isn't even close. All that can really be said is that all the visible planets are in the same quarter of the sky (which is still a remarkable event).

Right on Russ... its a bit mystifying that the eastern account of the "magi" is the number 12... right in line with the number of zodiacs... perhaps there were no "visitors" other than a zodiacal conjunction/alignment/eclipse/comet etc... The zodiacs were, after all, considered kings and gods and animal spirits etc... and still are.. in some circles.

I'd still like to try to debunk the high and mighty claims surrounding astrology to the base level of physics, gravity and other influences on the rather weakened susceptibility of mammalian cellular physiology. (ie: full moon drives us looney, retrograde Mars causes accidents and so on) Is there already a thread on this?
 
  • #35
Gokul43201 said:
Also, being mid-day, I imagine nothing would have been visible for people not in the umbra. Where would you have had to have been to see the solar eclipse?
Thats not an easy thing to ascertain from Starry Night - I can't even be sure there was an umbra. It looked close to total from Philly though, so if there was, it was probably within a few thousand miles of there.
 
  • #36
Two words:::

Ball

Lightning
 

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