|
On May 29, 7 B.C.,
there occurred an extraordinary
conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the
constellation of Pisces. And it is a
remarkable astronomic fact that similar
conjunctions occurred on September 29
and December 5 of the same year. Upon
the basis of these extraordinary but wholly
natural events the well-meaning zealots of
the succeeding generation constructed the
appealing legend of the star of Bethlehem
and the adoring Magi led thereby to the
manger, where they beheld and worshiped the
newborn babe
(122:8.7). |
|
An
extraordinary astronomical fact,
regarded by astronomers as demonstrated, is
mentioned by Kepler. About the period of the
birth of our Lord there was a remarkable
conjunction of the planets Jupiter and
Saturn in the constellation Pisces, which
occurred three times in the year of Rome
747, or B.C. 7, on
May 29, September 29, and
December 5.... At the same time, it must
be observed that the planets were never so
closely conjoined as to appear one large
star; there was always a space equal to the
diameter of the moon between them. But to
stargazers as the Magi, and especially to
astrologers, it must have proved a striking
phenomenon.
—Paton J. Gloag (1895) |
