The story of the star of Bethlehem, the star that is thought to have announced the birth of Jesus Christ, has been studied and researched for more than 2,000 years. Ball State University's planetarium is sponsoring a double-feature Christmas presentation that will provide information about the star.
Ron Kaitchuck, planetarium director and astronomy professor, will conduct the two programs: "George and Oatmeal Save Santa" and "The Christmas Star."
Marc Ransford, media relations manager, said all planetarium shows are free including this presentation, and tickets are not required. The shows will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10.
The presentation features a traditional type planetarium program, Kaitchuck said.
The first program, "George and Oatmeal Save Santa," a program meant for children, tells a story in which Santa uses the stars to be his guide after getting lost, Kaitchuck said. Because families attend this event and since "The Christmas Star" story is above the understanding of little children, it gives them something to watch and enjoy.
"The Christmas Star" focuses on the star of Bethlehem and its significance for celebrating Christmas in December. The study of the star of Bethlehem has been an on-going project for years.
"We are presenting the several ideas that explain the star of Bethlehem," Kaitchuck said. "Yet the star may have appeared significant to only a few people."
Kaitchuck said there are only four references about the star of Bethlehem in the Bible. The Bible leads people to believe few people knew about the star of Bethlehem at that time, he said.
"The wise men were astrologers, so for years people have been looking for astrological significance for the star," Kaitchuck said. When planets come close together, this causes a conjunction or a bright light in the sky, he said. The conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Venus occurred just above the horizon when Jesus was born. The light led the wise men to Bethlehem, where they knew they needed to go.
Today, through the use of computer analysis, graphics and technology such as the planetarium's star projector, no one can be 100 percent accurate in depicting the star.
"The bright star in the sky really helps sell Christmas cards," Kaitchuck said. "But it could never have been that bright. It's very pretty stuff, but certainly not true."
Program organizers are expecting large crowds at the different shows and suggest audience members arrive early for good seats because no one will be admitted after the program begins. Each program is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.
Following the program, the observatory will be open, weather permitting.
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