VSU planetarium presents 'The Star of Bethlehem'

Valdosta State University's Planetarium is hosting "The Star of Bethlehem" Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Both shows are free to the public. The 6:30 p.m. show is designed for children and the 8 p.m. show is for the general public. The programs will include astrological explanations of the Christian calendar and the birth date of Jesus.

The program, produced by Dr. Dennis Marks, head of VSU's Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences, will examine what was in the sky 2,000 years ago. He will also explain the latest research found on the star of Bethlehem.

The star of Bethlehem is thought to be a rare triple conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn that occurred 7 B.C. A recreation of this conjunction will be included in the program as well as a recreation of a rare massing of all the planets that occurred on April 17, 6 B.C.

Following the planetarium programs, the VSU Observatory will be open for public viewing. For more information, contact Dr. Dennis Marks at 229-333-5752.