The Star of Bethlehem

[Christopher K.]

This season reminds us of the famous story from Christian Scripture about the Magi being spurred by the sight of the Star of Bethlehem to take a trip and visit a newborn. However, what was the Star? Scripture gives little description, only scant clues.

What exactly occurred in the Middle East 2000 years ago? Can modern scientific calculations shed light on the puzzle? LSU physics professor Brad Schaefer will use current theory to take the audience step-by-step toward the solution to the mystery. On Friday 12 December he will present "The Star of Bethlehem" at the Highland Road Park Observatory. The lecture begins at 7:30pm, is free admission and is aimed at a general adult audience.

If you've never experienced this lecture before, don't miss out. This is Professor Schaefer's twelfth consecutive year bringing this incredible presentation to HRPO patrons. During his career he has published in Sky & Telescope magazine, discovered a long-lost ancient atlas, appeared on a National Geographic program and earned an invitation to the Nobel Physics Prize ceremony!

[Christopher K.]

Of course, 2015 is the thirteenth consecutive year for Brad to give this talk. This year is will be on 11 December, 7:30pm at the Highland Road Park Observatory. I will not restate here what the presentation covers, but by all means come hear it if you never have.

[Christopher K.]

Please keep in mind this is the last 2015 talk. There will be a party at HRPO on the 18th instead of a talk, and of course HRPO is closed on the 25th. The Friday Night Lecture Series will resume on 2 January 2016.

[Christopher K.]

This season reminds us of the famous story from Christian Scripture about the Magi being spurred by the sight of the Star of Bethlehem to take a trip and visit a newborn. However, what was the Star? Scripture gives little description, only scant clues.

What exactly occurred in the Middle East 2000 years ago? Can modern scientific calculations shed light on the puzzle? LSU physics professor Brad Schaefer will use current theory to take the audience step-by-step toward the solution to the mystery. On Friday 9 December he will present "The Star of Bethlehem" at the Highland Road Park Observatory. The lecture begins at 7:30pm, is free admission and is aimed at a general adult audience.

If you've never experienced this lecture before, don't miss out. This is Professor Schaefer's thirteenth consecutive year bringing this incredible presentation to HRPO patrons. During his career he has published in Sky & Telescope magazine, discovered a long-lost ancient atlas, appeared on a National Geographic program and earned an invitation to the Nobel Physics Prize ceremony!

About the Friday Night Lecture Series:
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/friday.html

[Christopher K.]

A seasonal tradition will come to an end in 2017. Brad Schaefer's fifteen and final presentation for HRPO on the Star of Bethlehem will take place on Friday 8 December at 7:30pm. Brad and Martha Schaefer are leaving Baton Rouge next spring. Please inform any colleagues, family members or friends who may not have experienced this talk that 8 December is the last chance!

About Brad Schaefer:
https://www.lsu.edu/physics/people/faculty/schaefer.php
https://www.lsu.edu/departments/gold/20 ... efer.shtml
http://www.lsu.edu/physics/news/2014/11 ... -prize.php

[Christopher K.]

The freakish snowstorm earlier this month led to a temporary shutdown of HRPO and a cancellation of that Friday night's talk and the next morning's Science Academy. Dr. Schaefer's Bethlehem talk will now take place tomorrow night at 7:30pm.

[Christopher K.]

There's no denying the extent of the influence spread across our society and culture by this famous story. Many consider this time of year a time for reflection and planning the upcoming months. I hope you can spend time with those close to you, including taking advantage of whatever clear skies we happen to get.

More information:
https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses ... onomy.html
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/whats-on ... ading-list
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardc ... -bethlehem
https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/the-star-of-bethlehem/
https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resour ... 12-06.aspx