>> 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?
>

A daytime event is not a problem there, since the "wise men" that where
"following the star" are believed to be trained in watching the skies. For a
serious "astologist" it was already possible to calculate the event and the
place where it would occur some time ahead.

In writing a column for the milennia versus year 2000 problem I did some
investigation myself, regarding this "star of Bethlehem" and the experts
named a few possible explanations. Every single one might have been THE
event.

1) Nova 5 BC
Chinese astronomers noted a "new star" that was visible for 70 days in the
east. Colin Humphreys from Cambridge University favores this one, since the
astronomers had plenty of time to travel to Palestine. I'm not this sure,
since novae and comets were considered bringing "bad luck" and were
otherwise not of interest for the astrologists.

2) Tripple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Fall 7 BC
The best of these conjunctions had a separation of 1.5°, was located in
Pisces and rose in the east just at sunset. Jupiter as the ancient "King of
Gods", Saturn as symbol for Justice as well as Palestine and Pisces the sign
of the Jewish might well be interpreted as "the rising of a Jewish king".

3) Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on early evening on 17. Juni -1 (2 BC)
This one was a great show with both planets almost touching and forming a
"super star" for some hours located in the southwest. To watch this, you
must travel right to Palestine, if you are located in the east - following
the star - or else the planets set too early.

Don't let you confuse with the December 25 thing. This day was defined 350
years afterwards and lies "surprisingly" close to the winter solstice and
the old roman "Saturnalia". Btw, December is a bad month to "stay the night
on the meadow with the sheep". Even in Palestine it's pretty cold then.

You may pick your favorite.

Best regards, Robert Orso