The Astronomy Behind The Fabled Star Of Bethlehem

Of all the stars known to humans, one fabled star in particular has grabbed the curiosity and imagination of so many – the Star of Bethlehem. One of the most fabled stars in human history, the Star of Bethlehem, is also one of the biggest mysteries. According to the Gospel of Matthew, it’s the star that led the wise men to the baby Jesus, an event known as Epiphany, which is celebrated this week in many churches.

The Theory of Michael Molnar

For astronomers and star gazers, the question has always been: what exactly was the Star of Bethlehem? Michael Molnar, an astronomer who earned his doctorate at the UW-Madison came up with an interesting theory in the late 1990s. He believes the star that attracted the wise men bearing frankincense, gold and myrrh was likely the planet Jupiter appearing in the constellation of Aries the Ram.

Molnar’s quest to unmask the Star of Bethlehem started, oddly enough, when he bought an ancient coin. The coin was minted in Syria soon after the Romans annexed Judea and featured a picture of Zeus on one side and Aries on the other with a star above the ram. Molnar knew that astronomer Claudius Ptolemy had noted that Aries was the symbol of Judea.

Astronomical Evidence and Historical Dating

The Magi told King Herod that they saw a star rising in the east – a morning star. As Jupiter orbits around the sun, it eventually disappears from view on Earth before re-emerging in the eastern sky. Molnar began to consider that Jupiter might have been the star of Bethlehem.

Jesus’ actual birth date is not known, but biblical historians most often estimate it was sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C. Molnar checked the dates of when Jupiter was in the east and the constellation of Aries was close and referenced them against the years when scholars believe Jesus was born. Only one date popped up – April 17, 6 B.C.

Key Scientific Clues

• Celestial Body: The planet Jupiter appearing in the constellation of Aries the Ram.
• Symbolism: Aries was recognized as the symbol of Judea.
• Phases of Jupiter: Jupiter orbits around the sun, disappearing from view before re-emerging in the eastern sky as a morning star.
• Dating: The specific alignment occurred on April 17, 6 B.C.

Whether Jupiter eclipsed by the moon is actually the star heralding the birth of Jesus is certainly open to debate. But it’s a fascinating theory.