Astronomy Department Hosts Annual Holiday Presentation

VALDOSTA - The department of Astronomy at Valdosta State University will host its annual holiday presentation, “The Star of Bethlehem,” at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the Nevins Hall Planetarium.

During each of the presentations, the planetarium will recreate the night sky as seen from Bethlehem at the time Jesus was born. Dr. Kenneth Rumstay and Martha Leake will guide visitors through the night, which will display the most plausible explanation for the Star of Bethlehem - a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurring in the year 7 B.C. Weather permitting, the Nevins Hall observatory will be open to guests following the show.

Public parking is available in front of Nevins Hall. The event is free to the public, but seating is limited. Rumstay encourages interested parties to call for reservations as soon as possible. Remaining tickets will be available the night of the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the annual holiday presentation are available by calling the department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences at (229) 333-5752.