JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Christmas Star is the bright star that rose after the birth of Jesus Christ, according to The Bible. It's also the star that the wise men then followed to find him.
Many hypothesize this story may be based on a bit of science. Possibly a Supernova, or maybe even a Comet?
Another possibility is that the story is based on a planetary conjunction like we saw last year when on Christmas Day, Jupiter and Saturn appeared near each other, looking like one big bright start during the Holiday season.
This year we won’t be quite that lucky, but thanks to clear skies on the First Coast and a waning Moon, the second-brightest object in the night sky minus the moon will be easily visible in the night sky.
Look Southwest after sunset and near the horizon, and you will be able to spot Venus, as it will easily be the brightest looking “star” in the sky at that point.
To the left of that as well, a train of visible planets will be visible, including Jupiter and Saturn.
Also, if you look closely just after sunset right below Venus on Christmas Day, you may be able to see Comet Leonard. You will need a clear view of the western Horizon to catch a glimpse of this “Christmas Star”.
Plus, this is the last time you will have ever to see this specific comet. Astronomers expect the sun to slingshot it so fast it will be ejected out of our Solar System.
