The Star of Bethlehem a Comet in 5-BC and the Date of the Birth of Christ

Astronomical and historical evidence suggests that the Star of Bethlehem was a comet which was visible in 5 BCV and described in ancient Chinese records. A comet uniquely fits the description in Matthew of a star which newly appeared, travelled slowly through the sky against the star background and 'stood over' Bethlehem. It is proposed that a remarkable sequence of three astronomical events stimulated the journey of the Magi: the triple conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 7 BCV the massing of the three planets Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in 6 BC; and finally the appearance in 5 BC of the' star of Bethlehem', a comet initially in Capricornus. It is shown that each of these three events would have been rich in significance to the Magi, and the combination would have provided a very clear sign that a mighty new king was about to be born in Israel. The evidence points to Jesus being born in the period 5 BC March 9 - May 4, probably around Passover time: 5 BC April 13-27. Birth in the spring is consistent with the account in Luke that there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby keeping watch over their flock by night. Birth in 5 BC is also consistent with the census of Caesar Augustus. The date of the Nativity presented here enables a new chronology of the life of Christ to be constructed which is consistent with the available evidence.