The Star of Bethlehem, an emblematic symbol of Christmas, may not have been a star at all, according to a new theory. Research led by planetary scientist Mark Matney from NASA suggests that the celestial phenomenon guiding the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus could have actually been a comet. This theory, published in the Journal of the British Astronomical Association on December 3, 2025, draws on ancient records that describe an unusual celestial object appearing in the sky in 5 BCE.
The Star of Bethlehem is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is described as the guide used by the Magi from the East to find the manger in Bethlehem. According to the biblical account, the Magi consulted King Herod of Judea, asking him about the location of the “King of the Jews” after witnessing the star. Traditionally, Christians have viewed this star as a miraculous sign, often linked to a prophecy from the Old Testament referring to it as the “Star of Jacob.”
Over the centuries, astronomers have proposed various explanations for the Star of Bethlehem. In 1614, renowned astronomer Johannes Kepler theorized that a planetary conjunction might have created a nova, a bright new star. However, this explanation was later discredited due to inconsistencies. Another hypothesis by physicist Frank Tipler suggested that the star could have been a supernova occurring in the nearby Andromeda Galaxy.
Notably, Chinese and Korean astronomers in 5 BCE documented a comet that reportedly lingered in the sky for over two months. Matney’s research builds on these ancient records, which describe a celestial object that remained visible for an impressive 70 days. He began investigating the Star of Bethlehem during his college years, inspired by a Christmas sky show at a planetarium that challenged the typical understanding of astrological objects, which usually rise in the east and set in the west. Instead, the biblical narrative suggests that the star ascended from the south and remained fixed in the sky for hours.
While Matney’s findings offer a new perspective on the Star of Bethlehem, not all scholars are convinced. Ralph Neuhäuser, an astrophysicist from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, cautioned in a report from Scientific American that the ancient Chinese records might not be reliable. “The older the record, in general, the less information is left,” he noted. Matney himself acknowledges these limitations and has expressed a commitment to seeking further evidence to substantiate his claims.
As the debate continues, Matney’s research adds an intriguing layer to the longstanding mystery surrounding one of Christianity’s most iconic symbols. While some may consider the biblical account a myth, the possibility of a real celestial event behind the Star of Bethlehem invites further exploration into the intersection of faith, history, and science.
