The Mysterious Christmas Star

continued from page 6 slowly faded away over the course of two years. Chinese astrologers of the time kept meticulous records of its appearance. Many other ancient cultures around the world likely saw the bright object also. Some of the most intriguing possible recordings of this ‘new star’ are found in petroglyphs at Chaco Canyon National Park in New Mexico, and scattered throughout the surrounding region. Some astronomers maintain that certain rock art designs found there depict the supernova, though other researchers have questioned that idea.

However, while supernovae do occur, one near enough to have been so visible would have left lingering traces of its demise in the atmosphere. No trace of a nova in the vicinity of Aries has been found. Also, a bright supernova would have been documented by everyone on Earth, yet, not surprisingly, no record from that time exists elsewhere for such a cosmic event.

Ancient Roman astrologers interpreted the infrequent conjunction, or close alignment, of major planets, and the occasional eclipse of the planet Jupiter by the Moon, as signifying great events, such as the birth of a king. Records show a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the year 7 B.C. The

Moon eclipsed Jupiter twice in the year 6 B.C. Interestingly, during the winter of 6 B.C. the world witnessed a very rare conjunction of the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Could any of these events have prompted the Christmas star story?

A troubling fact regarding the Christmas Star question is that the only biblical reference to the Star of Bethlehem is found in the gospel of Matthew. No other mention of the star is found. There are many theories about why Matthew would have included the Star of Bethlehem in his record of Christ’s birth. Some say it may have been a symbolic reference to the Old Testament prediction that the birth of the King of the Jews would be proclaimed by a bright star rising from the House of David.

Be it fact or fiction, myth or miracle, we may never know the identity of the Star of Bethlehem for certain. I’m content with that for, from cradle to grave, there should always be a place for mystery and wonder in our lives. With joyous signs of Christmas all around us this season, what better source of wonder than the story of a mystical light from the heavens above.

Local Community Observatory Docents Wanted!

Do you love what’s up above? Want to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others? Have you considered being a DOCENT for the Community Observatory?

Docents are volunteers who have a passion for astronomy and are willing to donate their time and knowledge to make sure the Observatory experience is both educational and rewarding. They are the guides to the universe and a source of interesting information about current cosmic events, deep space objects, stars, planets, and the observatory facility and telescopes.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Working with the telescopes

• Sky Tours

• Greeters

• Kids Zone

• Event Planning

• Fundraising

• Administrative

For information, contact the El Dorado County Office of Education at (530) 622-7130 ext 0, or visit the website at communityobservatory. com/docent1