The Star of Bethlehem: An Astronomer's View Book

The concept of the "Star" might be dominated by Hollywood and the West End but the first "Star" was born approximately 2,000 year ago as reported in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew. Apparently the Magi were searching out a child who was to be King of the Jews because "we have seen his star at its rising". Curiously, none of the other Gospels mention it, so was this Star of Bethlehem a real astronomical event? And, if so, what was it? The "Star" has become an accepted part of Christian iconography and is still unquestioningly celebrated by countless children and adults all over the world, especially at this time of year. How many of us know the carol "O little star of Bethlehem" and would automatically include the Star in any description or visualisation of the Nativity scene? The question of the Star's astronomical identity has fascinated professionals and amateurs for hundreds of years. Mark Kidger is a professional astronomer at the world famous Institute of Astrophysics in the Canaries and a well-known writer on astronomy. The Star of Bethlehem is written for a general readership. It is a fascinating science detective story of the search for the identity of the "Star". At various times in the past the "Star" has been thought to be Halley's Comet or Venus but these can now be dismissed as candidates. Mark Kidger expertly takes us on an astronomical journey through the Far East towards an appropriately Millennial answer which I will not spoil by giving the answer. This is the story of a real "Star" and it provides a good antidote to all the celluloid stars we are bombarded with over Christmas. --Douglas PalmerRead More