University of Notre Dame astrophysicist Grant Mathews will give two presentations of his popular program titled “What and When was the Christmas Star?” in the Digital Visualization Theatre of Notre Dame’s Jordan Hall of Science.
The programs, which are free and open to the public, will take place Dec. 3 (Friday) at 7 p.m. and Dec. 5 (Sunday) at 3 p.m.
The Gospel of Matthew records a peculiar astronomical event that occurred at the birth of Christ. Mathews has applied the tools of modern astrophysics to the search for evidence of this event. His program will examine whether the “Christmas Star” was a nova, a super-nova or a planet alignment and discuss the possible identity of the “wise men from the East.” He will describe recent evidence that points toward new answers to the nature and time of appearance of this special event.
The public programs will be followed by a special video presentation of “A Season of Lights.”
Private groups also can schedule times to view Mathews’ presentation.
For more information, contact Susan Baxmeyer at 574-631-6386, or baxmeyer.1@nd.edu.