Although the cosmic “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” was visible for people to see for the first time in 800 years last year in 2020, we will not be able to see it this year. The spectacularly rare shining 'star' -- really a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter -- will not appear again until March 15, 2080.
However, if you’re still looking to catch some celestial sightings during the holiday season there are a few events that will occur throughout the rest of the year, no matter where you are, that are just as exciting.
Through Dec. 24: Ursids Meteor Shower
The Ursids meteor shower is usually active annually between Dec. 17 to Dec. 24. At its peak, observers are able to view as many as 10 meteors in an hour.
Ursids is named as such because the meteor radiates from the direction of the constellation Ursa Minor and is associated with the 8P/Tuttle comet.
How to watch: Find out more about how to catch the Ursids meteor shower in your area here.
Through Jan. 3: Comet Leonard
Comet Leonard is 2021's most anticipated comet and will possibly be a once-in-a-lifetime event, according to EarthSky. This comet will be the brightest of the year and it will possibly leave a tail as it draws closer to the Earth and sun.
The comet is currently heading towards the sun to the perihelion, or closest point to the sun on January 3, 2022, which is when it is brightest. Though the comet has been in the morning sky, it will be visible in the evening sky in December.
In the coming months, Comet Leonard will reach closest to Earth on Dec. 13 and will then have a close pass of Venus by Dec. 18. Later on, it'll round the sun on Jan. 3 for about 56 million miles.
How to watch: As Comet Leonard closes off 2021, it's possible that it can be seen with the eye alone. Find out more about how to view the comet in your area, here.
You can find out more about how to watch other celestial events not listed here.
FAQs
Explanation 3: the Christmas star was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Kepler is also associated with the idea that it was the close conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn that created the 'star'.
What is the Christmas star in the sky? ›
The Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star, appears in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 2 where "wise men from the East" (Magi) are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There, they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask him: Adoration of the Magi by Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337).
When did the Christmas star appear in the Bible? ›
That is the picture most of us have of the Christmas Star, but it's an image derived more from imagination and greeting cards than from the Bible. In fact, only the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament mentions this “star” (Matthew 2:2, 7-10, King James Version). Even there, information on the star is sparse.
Does the Star of Bethlehem still exist? ›
Yet telescopes haven't found any evidence for a supernova remnant that sync up with the timing of the Star of Bethlehem. In fact, the only supernova that was visible from Earth around the time of Christ's birth actually happened in the year 185 A.D. and was recorded by Chinese astronomers.
What is the celestial event? ›
Astronomical events are celestial body events such as eclipses, novae or planetary collisions studied by the scientific discipline of astronomy, whereas "astronomy events" refers to social events such as academic meetings, conferences and other such newsworthy occasions relating to astronomy.
How often is the Star of Bethlehem visible? ›
How often does the Star of Bethlehem appear? Roughly every 800 years. According to several astronomers, this type of planetary alignment will not be seen again until the year 2080 and then again in 2400.
When was Jesus actually born? ›
The date of the birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical sources and the evidence is too incomplete to allow for consistent dating. However, most biblical scholars and ancient historians believe that his birth date is around 4 to 6 BC.
Is the Star of Bethlehem an actual Star? ›
The Star of Bethlehem could have been a conjunction
The other — more astronomical — explanation is that there was indeed a bright object in the sky — a conjunction between planets and stars. A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear to meet in the night sky from our location on Earth.
Was the Star of Bethlehem an angel? ›
The Star was an astronomical body.
Some have proposed that the Star was a miraculous object or an angel. But what Matthew writes—in particular, his words “star” and “rising”—strongly favors the conclusion that it was an astronomical body.
Was there a comet when Jesus was born? ›
It is proposed that a remarkable sequence of three astronomical events stimulated the journey of the Magi: the triple conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 7 BC; the massing of the three planets Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in 6 BC; and finally the appearance in 5 BC of the `star of Bethlehem', a comet initially in ...
Bible narrative
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
How old was Mary when she had Jesus? ›
Her age during her pregnancy has varied up to 17 in apocryphal sources. In a large part, apocryphal texts are historically unreliable. According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary technically could have been betrothed at about 12, but some scholars hold the view that in Judea it typically happened later.
Where was Jesus born? ›
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, which is located in the fertile limestone hill country of the Holy Land, 10 kilometres south of Jerusalem. Millions of people around the world celebrate Christmas Day as the birth anniversary of Jesus on December 25.
Where was Jesus laid after he was born? ›
The Christmas story says that Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem and was laid in a manger.
What could have been the Star of Bethlehem? ›
POSSIBILITIES IN THE SKY
Researchers also have suggested that, if it existed, the Star of Bethlehem was a comet, a supernova or a triple conjunction. “A triple conjunction is where there are two objects that meet up, whether it's a star and a planet or two planets aligning,” Castillo said.
What causes the Star of Bethlehem? ›
The Star of Bethlehem could have been a conjunction
The other — more astronomical — explanation is that there was indeed a bright object in the sky — a conjunction between planets and stars. A conjunction occurs when two or more celestial bodies appear to meet in the night sky from our location on Earth.
What celestial event is the evening star? ›
Approximately 71 days before and after inferior conjunction, Venus reaches a position called elongation, when the planet lies at its greatest angular distance from the Sun, which is about 47 degrees. At eastern elongation it is the Evening Star, seen up to a few hours after sunset before setting to the west.
What does the star have to do with Christmas? ›
The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. Five years before Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior's birth, including the appearance of a bright new star (see Helaman 14:5).
