Adoration of the Magi. The Star of Bethlehem is shown as a comet above the child. Credit: Giotto di Bondone / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
A comet described in ancient Chinese records could offer new insight into the celestial event often linked to the Star of Bethlehem, according to a recent study by a NASA scientist.
Mark Matney, a planetary scientist who conducted the research independently of the agency, analyzed historical observations from 5 BC that detail a “broom star”—a term used to describe comets due to their tail-like appearance. The report was published on December 3 in the Journal of the British Astronomical Association.
The possibility that this object could explain the biblical account of the star that led the magi to the birthplace of Jesus has long intrigued astronomers.
While previous theories have pointed to a planetary alignment involving Jupiter and Saturn, Matney suggests that a comet passing unusually close to Earth could match the described behavior more closely.
Tracing a theory back to the planetarium
Matney traces his interest in the subject back to his time working at a planetarium as a student. The Christmas program he helped present described the Star of Bethlehem as rising in the southern sky and eventually appearing to stop overhead.
No known celestial object could behave in this way, due to the Earth’s rotation, which causes all sky objects to rise in the east and set in the west. At the time, he recalled thinking he knew of one possibility that could explain the phenomenon—a comet.
New research suggests a 5 BC comet recorded in ancient Chinese texts could match the celestial event known as the Star of Bethlehem. A NASA scientist takes a fresh look at the mystery. #StarOfBethlehem #Astronomy #History pic.twitter.com/NtJTEDv7X6
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) December 8, 2025
In his research, Matney theorizes that if a long-period comet from the Oort Cloud had approached Earth at a distance similar to the moon, it could have appeared nearly stationary in the sky for several hours. This unusual visual effect would be consistent with a near head-on trajectory, something he argues could explain the biblical description.
Ancient records and the Star of Bethlehem
The comet mentioned in Chinese records was visible for roughly 70 days in the same constellation, a duration that led some scholars to believe it was a bright nova. Matney, however, interprets this long visibility as possible support for his theory involving a close-passing comet.
Other experts remain cautious. Ralph Neuhäuser, an astrophysicist at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, points out that ancient records can be difficult to interpret accurately due to their age and limited detail. He and other researchers have questioned whether the search for a precise astronomical explanation of the star is even necessary.
Matney agrees the records are incomplete and acknowledges the need for more data. He says his goal is not to solve the mystery entirely but to propose a scientifically plausible object that fits the ancient description.
Frederick Walter, an astronomer at Stony Brook University, said the study is unlikely to end the debate but sees it as a meaningful contribution to the broader investigation of historical astronomy.