Archive · 10 Dec 2025
NASA Scientist Links Star of Bethlehem to Ancient Chinese Comet Records
A NASA scientist named Mark Matney thinks the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to Baby Jesus, was actually a comet.
He found old Chinese records that talk about this comet, which was visible for more than 70 days around 5BC.
This time matches when Jesus is believed to have been born.
The comet's path, as described in the Bible, matches the way the star is said to have moved.
Some people think the star was just a myth, but Matney believes the comet could be the real explanation.
NASA astronomer Mark Matney suggests the Star of Bethlehem was a comet visible for over 70 days.
Ancient Chinese records from 5BC mention a comet that matches the description in the Bible.
The comet's path aligns with the biblical account of the star guiding the three wise men.
Matney's findings are published in the Journal of the British Astronomical Association.
The debate continues over whether the Star of Bethlehem was a myth or a real astronomical event.
- Who
- Mark Matney, a NASA astronomer
- What
- The Star of Bethlehem, identified as a comet
- When
- Around 5BC, with the comet visible for over 70 days
- Where
- Mentioned in ancient Chinese records and the Bible
- Why
- To explain the astronomical event that guided the three wise men to Baby Jesus
- Scientist
- Mark Matney
- Journal
- Journal of the British Astronomical Association
- Time Period
- 5BC
- Duration of Visibility
- More than 70 days
- Type of Celestial Body
- Comet
- Ancient Records
- Chinese astronomy texts
- Biblical Reference
- Gospel of Matthew
