ASTRONOMER EXPLAINS "THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM"
Contact: Dolly Purvis, Manager of News Services, Agnes Scott College, (404) 471-5451; Marilynne Herbert or Heidi Reinholdt, Halstead Communications (212) 734-2190, [email protected]
Around this time of year, astronomers are often asked "What was the Star of Bethlehem?" According to Chris DePree, associate professor of astronomy at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia, the short answer is "we aren't sure."
DePree asserts that a number of astronomical phenomena that occurred around the time of the birth of Christ may have been the "star" that guided the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem. For example, Roman records indicate a lunar eclipse in March, 4 B.C., while Chinese astronomical records document a nova and several comets during the period. Finally, the planets Jupiter and Saturn approached each other in an event called a "conjunction" in 7 B.C.
While the precise phenomenon that is remembered in history as "The Star of Bethlehem" is unknown, the possible explanations are fascinating, and they serve as another reminder of the mystery and wonder of the Christmas holiday.
Chris DePree, associate professor of astronomy at Agnes Scott College, is a well-respected expert in his field. He is a co-author of the popular Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy, and has a wonderful way of simplifying the complexities of science for the lay person.
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