Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:New research published in the Journal of the British Astronomical Association adds credence to a theory that the Biblical Star of Bethlehem was a real-life astronomical phenomenon. The Star of Bethlehem is one of the most famous pieces of Christmas iconography. But what was the Star of Bethlehem, really? This particular astrological event isn’t just an example of what type of “star” the Star of Bethlehem was—it could very well have been the very same star. The famed monarch died in 4 B.C.E., so Jesus’ birth needs to have occurred before then.