>> I recently watched a TV programme in which it

was suggested

>> that the mysterious "star" seen in the east

was, in fact,

>> the reappearance of Jupiter following

occultation by the new

>> moon on April 17th 6BC (year -5). However

simulation of this

>> event using Guide 7.0 shows Jupiter reappearing

around 10.42 GMT

>> (ie a little after midday in Jerusalem) - not a

night-time event

>> at all! Any comments?
>
>Perhaps the TT-UT correction used by Guide isn't

accurate as

>far back as 6 BC?

Hmmm, but should that account for HOURS?
One could reasonably check this using ancient
solar eclipses as a test. In doubt I would
tentatively suggest to
rely on Guide, not on a TV program :-)

Nevertheless the idea appears to involve
serious problems,
apart from the precise timing of the occultation.
Again relying on the
planetary positions being at least approximately
correct
(as indicated by the confirmation of the
occultation, regardless
of the time), Guide predicts CIVIL twilight at
2:36 UT for
Jerusalem, and the rise of Jupiter at 2:42 UT. I
really doubt that anyone
could have observed Jupiter on that day from
Jerusalem.


Hartwig