Could the 50-dollar purchase of an ancient coin by a Rutgers astronomer have unlocked the mystery of the Christmas star? For two millennia, scientists have searched the heavens in vain for an astronomical explanation of The Star of Bethlehem. Intrigued by an image of a Ram looking back at a star that he found on the coin, Michael decided to research and that he did.
Astronomer and coin collector Michael Molnar presents evidence that the reverse of an ancient bronze coin depicts the astronomical event referenced around the time of birth of Christ.
In 1999, Dr Michael Molnar, published "The Star of Bethlehem-The legacy of the Magi". His findings included the meaning behind the "Ram and Star" coin from Antioch along with the most likely "heavenly alignment" constituting the "Star of Bethlehem". He concluded that the design was meant to recognize the birth of the Messiah in Judaea and that His birth occurred on April 17, 6 BC.
He based his conclusions on the interpretation of scriptures along with ancient writings regarding astrology. His research was sparked by the scene on the reverse of the coin. The coin was minted in 6 AD in Antioch which was one of the centers of early Christianity. Ancient writings show that Judea was represented by the Ram Aries in the zodiac and particular position of other heavenly bodies.
According to Molnar, Jupiter underwent two occultations (eclipses) by the moon in Aries in 6 BC. The second occultation on April 17 coincided precisely when Jupiter was "in the east" a condition mentioned twice in the biblical account of the Star of Bethlehem. In August of that year Jupiter became stationary and then "went before" through Aries where it became stationary again on Dec 19, 6 BC. This is when the regal planet "stood over", a secondary royal portent also described in the Bible.
Molnar found an unusual array of planets occurring in Aries during 6 BC, which the Magi recognized as a divine birth in Judea. This unique alignment is represented by the star next to the Ram's head. The diagram below, from his book, shows the position of 7 heavenly bodies at sunrise and at mid-heaven. At sunrise, Venus rises first while in Pieces. Venus is followed by Saturn, Moon, Jupiter and the Sun, located in Aries. Finally, Mars and Mercury appeared in Taurus.
The alignment shown below is at the highest point in daytime sky. All planets kept their alignment, except Jupiter which passes behind the moon just after sunrise. This special alignment is called the "Star of Bethlehem". Matthew 2:1-7 says, "Now after Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship him.
Position of the planets at mid-heaven on April 17, 6 BC (from Molnar)
According to the astrology, what happened on April 17, 6 BC was the most "Regal" or "Divine" set of signs possible. Only the Magi would have recognized this unique arrangement.
Molnar's findings have been collaborated utilizing a new astronomy program called Stellarium. By adjusting the program to the correct date, direction and location, the alignment and movements of all these heavenly bodies can be viewed and studied. Figure below is an image of sunrise on April 17, 6 BC. The occultation of Jupiter by the moon is clearly visible.
Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat read, Rajeev! 👍
ReplyDeleteWow! This is such an Interesting blog. The story of the divine birth ! Enjoyed reading . The coins is amazing !star of bethelem.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Regards
Alpana