Upcoming Celestial Event in 2024: Witnessing the "Star of Bethlehem" with Your Children Before Midnight
What's the radiant star in the sunrise and sunset? This week, three luminous planets are making a strong case to be this year's "Star of Bethelem" or "Christmas Star," with Jupiter, Mars, and Venus all gleaming brilliantly.
Star of Bethelem: What Is The Christmas Star
The tale of a radiant star that appeared following the birth of Jesus Christ — which the wise men then followed to locate him — is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Although it could be an apocalyptic tale, it's one that has puzzled astronomers for centuries. While some suggest it may have been a comet (Halley's comet passed through the solar system in 12 B.C.) or a supernova (a distant star exploding and becoming visible during the day for a few weeks), there's a good chance it was either Venus — the brightest planet — or a conjunction of two planets.
Although the recent comet has faded, and there's no indication of a supernova, Venus shines exceptionally bright. The same goes for Jupiter and Mars, while in a few short weeks, Venus and Saturn will "kiss" in the post-sunset sky.
Star of Bethelem: How and When to See Venus
Look to the west; as soon as it gets dark, you will see Venus, provided the skies are clear. It's currently shining as the “Evening Star” at -4.1 mag. It's getting closer to Earth, something it does every 19 months, and on Feb. 16, 2025, it will reach its brightest in the evening sky at -4.5 mag. It will then plunge quickly into the sun's glare, reemerging in April as the brilliant "Morning Star." On Apr. 22, 2025, Venus will reach its brightest in the morning sky at -4.2 mag.
Could Venus have been the “Star of Bethelem?" As if to offer more proof, on Jan. 18, 2025, Saturn and Venus will shine close to each other in the west.
Star of Bethelem: How and When to See Jupiter
Jupiter is the radiant star in the east you've likely noticed recently. It's risen higher into the sky and, on Dec. 7, reached opposition — its closest position to Earth and therefore, the largest and brightest it gets for the year. So for this month — and for much of January — Jupiter will be visible all night and highest in the sky just after midnight. Now shining at -2.7 mag. Jupiter could have easily been the "Star of Bethelem."
Star of Bethelem: How and When to See Mars
Look east about two hours after sunset this month, and you'll see the golden glow of Mars rising beneath Jupiter. However, it's shining at only -0.8 mag. It will grow brighter. On Jan. 12, 2025, it will make its closest approach to Earth since 2022 and enter its annual opposition three days later, shining at -1.4 mag. That's likely not bright enough for Mars to be considered as a potential "Star of Bethelem," though its golden glow when it gets close to opposition provides a case.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
The tale of the Star of Bethlehem, a radiant star said to have appeared following Jesus' birth, has been a mystery for astronomers. The Gospel of Matthew suggests it could have been Venus or a conjunction of two planets.
Jupiter, considered one of the potential "Christmas Stars," has been shining brilliantly in the east. On December 7, it reached its closest position to Earth, becoming the largest and brightest for the year.
Three luminous planets, including Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, are currently making a strong case to be this year's Star of Bethlehem. Venus is also shining exceptionally bright, getting closer to Earth and reaching its brightest in the evening sky on February 16, 2025.
Saturn and Venus will also shine close to each other in the west on January 18, 2025, offering more potential proof for Venus's role as the Star of Bethlehem.
Mars could not be considered as bright enough to be the potential Star of Bethlehem, but its golden glow when it gets close to opposition provides a compelling case.
