It is generally believed that the Star of Bethlehem rose in the east and continued to shine as the wise men followed the star to Bethlehem. Recent evidence has shown that this is not the case. Key evidence presented in the Bible reveals nine specific characteristics that this “star” needs to be the true Star of Bethlehem. Beyond that, there are questions about the star and those who witnessed the event that need to be answered. These questions include: Who were the wise men? How did they know what the star meant? And how can a star stop? The first three of the nine points indicate what the star meant to the magi. When the wise men asked in Matthew 2:2, “Where is he who is born king of the Jews?” » This question implies that the star indicates three things: Jews, royalty and birth. Following this question, the wise men informed King Herod: “We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him. » The fourth point therefore is that the star must rise in the east. After Herod heard the news of the star, he called the wise men to find out the exact time the star appeared. The fifth and sixth points are that the star appeared at a specific time and that Herod did not know that the star had appeared. Because he didn't know it, that means it was happening regularly. The wise men followed the star, which brings us to point seven, the star endured through time. The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem from Jerusalem. This creates point eight: the star traveled before them. The last point is that of plot. The wise men followed the star until it stopped over Bethlehem. Ninth point: the star had to be able to stop. Can the stars stop? When did the star appear? Who was the star? Knowing them will help you find middle of paper...extremely bright star. As Jupiter continued across the sky, it began a movement known as retrograde motion. This movement occurs when an object folds and takes on an elliptical shape. What makes this event unique is that Jupiter made this move not just once, but three times. It was also unheard of before the star's time. A closer look at Jupiter and Regulus shows that both rise from the east, just as the sages declared. Additionally, at the same time that Jupiter and Regulus crossed paths, the constellation Leo was rising with the “royal” stars at the feet of the constellation. The date is December 25, 3 BC. This incidence more likely signified the conception of Christ. Moving forward nine months in the sky, we find the constellation Virgo in the sky above Bethlehem with a crescent moon at the foot of the constellation, a sign of the birth of Christ..