SKU: 98722614961

The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi

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The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the MagiCould the $50 purchase of an ancient coin by a Rutgers astronomer have unlocked the mystery of the Christmas Star? For years, scientists have looked, with little success, to astronomical records for an explanation of the magical star that guided the Magi to Christ's manger. Intrigued by the image he found on the latest addition to his coin collection, Michael Molnar thought there might be more to learn by looking, instead, at the teachings of ancient

Could the $50 purchase of an ancient coin by a Rutgers astronomer have unlocked the mystery of the Christmas Star? For years, scientists have looked, with little success, to astronomical records for an explanation of the magical star that guided the Magi to Christ's manger. Intrigued by the image he found on the latest addition to his coin collection, Michael Molnar thought there might be more to learn by looking, instead, at the teachings of ancient astrologers.

Molnar argues in his book that the Star of Bethlehem was not a star at all, but rather a regal portent centering around the planet Jupiter that was eclipsed by the moon. He bases this theory on the actual beliefs of astrologers, such as the Magi, who lived around the time of Christ. Molnar found some intriguing clues to the mystery while researching the meaning of astrological symbols he found an ancient coin, which bore the image of Aries looking back at a star. He found that Aries was a symbol of Judea at the time, and that ancient astrologers believed that a new king would be born when the moon passed in front of Jupiter. Molnar wondered, could the coin have been issued as a response to the Great Messianic Portent, the Star of Bethlehem?

To match the story of the appearance of the Christmas star, Molnar also knew the event had to happen when Jupiter was "in the east." Using these criteria and a computer program, he was able to chart an eclipse of Jupiter in Aries on April 17, 6 B.C., a day when Jupiter was precisely "in the east," which confirmed his theory. Moreover, he found that a Roman astrologer described the conditions of that day as fitting the birth of a "divine and immortal" person.

According to Harvard University Professor Owen Gingerich, "this is the most original and important contribution of the entire 20th century" about the Magi's star. Using clues from astronomy, astrology, and history, Molnar has created a provocative, fascinating theory on the Christmas Star. He weaves together an intriguing scientific detective story which resolves one of the world's greatest mysteries: The Star of Bethlehem at the birth of Christ.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Published: 09/20/2013
ISBN: 9780813564715
Pages: 187
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.48d
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SKU: 98722614961

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NANCY
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Challenging for my experienced puzzle players, sturdy all in one.
Color: Navy Blue
My girls love this treat puzzle; it is not for a first timer. My dogs have several of these and they cannot get the hand of spinning the light blue circle to move the small red covers. It is a challenge and that is what they need to give me some me time.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
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TooMuchStuff
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
Keeps my dog busy for a bit
Color: Navy Blue
I don't fill the hard to open spots yet, he's just figuring it out. It does keep his attention. It's a little small for a big dog (100lb Lab), prob better for a small dog. He has a hard time with the little trays. Definitely worth trying out. I wanted an inexpensive puzzle toy to try first, in case he didn't like it or couldn't figure it out.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2025
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calvin lemieux
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Fun activity for my pup
Color: Navy Blue
My 6 month old Labrador dog has so much fun with this! When he sees me getting it ready he gets excited. It’s super easy to use and clean! The price is the best! Quality is great. No noise and fun for my dog. The red
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2026
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kaydence
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Puzzle, My Dog Loves It!
Color: Navy Blue
It’s perfect! My dog loves it and i’m very satisfied with this purchase. The outside of the box did come sticky, which was kind of weird. Overall it’s great!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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Skillet Black
New York, US
★★★★★ 3
The outer part of puzzle is awesome! The inner...not so much.
Color: Navy Blue, Color: Navy Blue
My doggo Josie is a pretty smart dog. She can give you the most pitiful look (like in the pic) where you're giving her most of your lunch. She can hide your socks in another dimension! She can sit, shake and yes when Alexa plays "Turn around" by Bonnie Tyler...she will do it. I like to challenge her with a puzzle. She figured out the outter part of the puzzle within minutes but I was disappointed she couldn't figure out the inner part of the puzzle. Then I figured out why. The inside puzzle is very hard to push around. She gets frustrated that it won't open or move around very well. I let her do the outer puzzle for treats but I no longer put treats in the inner part. I want her to be entertained...not frustrated. I'll keep it for a bit and then pass it on to a dog shelter.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2025

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