Was the star of Bethlehem a real astronomical event?

[CoxRox]

Whilst checking out these 'astronomical' claims these last few weeks, I've emailed John Mosley a few times. He kindly sent me some information which I've emailed to Stimbo for his purusal. I've no doubt that the 'astronomy' is correct (as presented by Larson), but as John Mosley himself asserts, these events of 3/2 BC do not prove the Biblical account of a star. In the last two weeks, I've felt uneasy with the 'astrological' implications, which you just cannot separate from Larson's 'star' ie messages in the stars! For that reason I will not be pursuing this any further. It's not been a wasted exercise though, as some of the historical 'support' for Larson's star, has a bearing on some points that Minimalist raised earlier:

I'm going to email Larson regarding this. I'll continue to check it out.

You do that. And while you're waiting read this:

http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/r...inius.html

Conclusion

There is no way to rescue the Gospels of Matthew and Luke from contradicting each other on this one point of historical fact. The contradiction is plain and irrefutable, and stands as proof of the fallibility of the Bible, as well as the falsehood of at least one of the two New Testament accounts of the birth of Jesus

This is now my new project. It may take me some weeks or months to check these things out, but when I do, I will message you Minimalist, if that is ok.