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What was it the magi saw?
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Many Christains believe that the infant Jesus was visited and worshipped by "magi," which may be translated as "priests" or "astrologers." According to the Gospel of Matthew, they were led to his birthplace, Bethlehem, by the rising of a remarkable star.
What was this celestial object? Some have interpreted it as symbolic; others contend it didn't exist at all. From Universe Today comes an exploration of what the Christmas star may have been. A series of unusual planetary groupings in 3 or 2 BC could have produced the light show:
...on 17 June 2 BC, as Venus and Jupiter joined up again in the constellation Leo. This time the two planets were so close that, without the use of our modern optical aids, they would have looked like one single, brilliant star. According to Dave's research, Jupiter was known as the "planet of Kings" and Saturn as the "Protector of the Jews". This could easily have been interpreted as a sign that the Jewish Messiah had been, or was about to be, born. Also, Leo was thought to denote royalty and power. An interpretation? Perhaps. But, do not forget the times in which this occurred. Astronomy and astrology intermingled.
Merry Christmas from your friendly Space Exploration Examiner!
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