The Universe - Season 8 - Eps 4: Star of Bethlehem
What was the astronomical reality behind the star that, according to the Gospel of Matthew, guided the Magi to the young Jesus? This episode examines almost 20 centuries of theories, including meteors, novae, supernovae and comets…but is the truth to be found in a combination of astronomy–and astrology? Recent theories suggest that the "star" was the planet Jupiter in a series of conjunctions with other planets, stars and constellations, and that these conjunctions were interpreted by the Magi–astrologers and priests of the Zoroastrian religion–as heralding the birth of the Jewish Messiah.
About The Universe
Title: The Universe
First Air Date: 2007-05-29
Last Air Date: 2015-05-23
Status: Ended
Rating: 7.9/10 (from 170 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 10
Total Episodes: 88
Network: History H2
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Flight 33 Productions
Synopsis
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time.
Cast
David Ackroyd
Erik Thompson
