Space News: ‘Star Of Bethlehem’ Does Not Exist? Notre Dame Professor Claims It Is Not Even A Star!
According to the Christian beliefs, the "Three Magi" or "The Three Kings" were following the "Star Of Bethlehem" that guided them to find Jesus. However, a Notre Dame professor claims that "The Star Of Bethlehem" did not even exist and was not even a star at all. It was actually a super rare planetary alignment that might never occur ever again.
Grant Mathews, University of Notre Dame professor of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, has been studying about the "Star Of Bethlehem" for more than 10 years now. According to Fox News, the professor said that many astrologers, historians and scholars have studied the "Star Of Bethlehem" with explanations ranging from planetary alignments, supernova and other astronomical events to explain it.
From studying a collection of astronomical, historical and biblical records, Grant Mathews has found that the "Star Of Bethlehem" also known as the "Christmas Star" was not even a star but a super rare planetary alignment, according to National Post. Mathews believes that this unique planetary alignment happened in 6 B.C. and it might never occur ever again.
This super rare planetary alignment has the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Saturn in alignment in Aries. Venus was next door in Pisces while Mars and Mercury were on the other side of Taurus. During that time, the vernal equinox was also located in Aries.
According to Mathews, the presence of Jupiter and the Moon signified that a ruler with a special destiny is to be born. The presence of Aries in the vernal equinox marked the start of spring with Saturn symbolizing the giving of life.
The significance of the planetary alignment occurring in Aries meant there was newborn king in Judea. This super rare planetary alignment was what the "Three Magi" in the east saw that prompted them to search for the newborn king.
Based on his calculations, Grant Mathews believes that it will be another 16,000 years before this planetary alignment can be seen again. But unlike the previous super rare planetary alignment, the vernal equinox will not be located in Aries. The Notre Dame professor even adds that even calculating 500,000 years forward, he found no evidence that the astronomical event popular known as the "Star Of Bethlehem" will ever occur again.
Professor Grant Mathews says, "I feel a kindred connection to these ancient Magi who earnestly scanned the heavens." He is currently working on a book about his findings, according to Science Daily.
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