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Star of Bethlehem

Scientists look back into the skies of the ancient world to find out if the three wise men could have witnessed a real astronomical event.

In one of the most magical stories ever told, a bright star led the wise men from the east to the new Messiah. Now scientists are looking back into the skies of the ancient world to find out if the magi could have witnessed a real astronomical event.

Could the star of Bethlehem have been a comet, an alignment of planets or even a supernova? Who were the wise men, and why were they watching the night skies? Could evidence from a clay tablet from Babylon, an ancient manuscript from China, a fresco in the Catacombs of Rome and biblical texts help to finally unravel the greatest astronomical story in history?

1 hour

Last on

Christmas Day 2009 11:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Tim Walker
Executive Producer Anthony Geffen
Executive Producer Carol Sennett

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Eve 2008 17:30
  • Christmas Day 2008 14:00
  • Sun 20 Dec 2009 17:30
  • Christmas Eve 2009 19:30
  • Christmas Day 2009 11:30