Photo by Phil Zellner of the Jupiter-Mercury-Mars conjunction at 6:25 a.m. on Dec. 10. Astronomers have proposed a variety of sources over the years for the Christmas star — comets, a supernova or a grouping of planets. The actual astronomical events of the time suggest a solution, according to Griffith Observatory astronomer John Mosley. Mosley's 1987 book "The Christmas Star" examines the sky during the time frame that historians assume Jesus was born, between 3 B.C. and A.D. 1. One would also assume that the Star of Bethlehem could be observed by skywatchers elsewhere in the world, and not just by the Magi — who were actually priests who relied on astrology. These assumptions rule out comets, brightening stars known as novae, and exploding stars known as supernovae. . . . . . . Etc.

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