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Posted

So the question is quite simple was the star of Bethlehem a supernova?

 

 

Picture of the Star of Bethlehem

 

 

 

Picture of a Supernova

 

Probably not. The story of the star only appears in St Matthew's gospel and may well be just a "pious fiction". I quote Wiki:

 

Matthew's description of the miracles and portents attending the birth of Jesus can be compared to stories concerning the birth of Augustus (63 BC).[nb 4] Linking a birth to the first appearance of a star was consistent with a popular belief that each person's life was linked to a particular star.[33] Magi and astronomical events were linked in the public mind by the visit to Rome of a delegation of magi at the time of a spectacular appearance of Halley's Comet in AD 66,[34] about the time the Gospel of Matthew was being composed. This delegation was led by King Tiridates of Armenia, who came seeking confirmation of his title from Emperor Nero. Ancient historian Dio Cassius wrote that, "The King did not return by the route he had followed in coming,"[34] a line similar to the text of Matthew's account, but written some time after the completion of Matthew's gospel.[35]"

 

So made up retrospectively, drawing on events that happened more than 50yrs after Jesus's birth.  

Posted

No we'd still be able to see it correct? The ancient explosion would have lasted for thousands of years thus the light from it would be visible for thousands of years not to mention the only supernova close enough to see with the naked eye would be, I forget what the system is called but it's gone supernova but the light isn't here yet

Posted

No we'd still be able to see it correct? The ancient explosion would have lasted for thousands of years thus the light from it would be visible for thousands of years not to mention the only supernova close enough to see with the naked eye would be, I forget what the system is called but it's gone supernova but the light isn't here yet

 

Ya, it would be a black hole or white dwarf current if such a supernova did happen that generated the Star of Bethelhem.

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