This post will be leisurely updated from now until the sign of the “Christmas Star”, which occurs Dec. 21, 2020. The above 1953 BC planetary alignment is directly related to the 2020 “Christmas star”, as explained in this article.
- Key texts to ponder: Gen. 49:8-12; Num. 24:15-19; Acts 7
- Also, see Roe v. Wade overthrown & great signs in the heavens
The LXX (Greek) Bible is prominently quoted from in the New Testament. The below chart is based upon Ex. 12:40 in the LXX Bible.
Many scholars are aware of the natural reading and implication of Ex. 12:40 in the LXX Bible, but most just ignore it. People like certainties, this or that, but not both, especially chronologers; they are like accountants who want it to add up the first time. That’s their natural disposition. That’s why they argue with one another about the bottom line. However, it was never about the bottom line, that is, “When was the Creation?” or “When was the Flood?”
The fact is that all are correct. They are simply different branches on one genealogical tree. Each by themselves is like a barren cross on a hill. But when engrafted in becomes a mighty tree. God reconciled all of them upon that cross, Jew and Gentile, Greek and Samaritan, Babylonian and
Egyptian, Esau, and Jacob, even every nation tribe and tongue. This 30-year revelation portends to the near completion of the full number from among the nations that must be saved before God wraps up all things with the inclusion of His “firstborn”.
Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstbornson, and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’ ” (Ex. 4:22-23)
Many put up artificial Christmas trees. This pagan symbol serves well as an illustration. Men insert branch after branch to complete the tree. So it is with the different chronologies. And Israel is the star that awaits to be put on top of the Christmas tree – a symbol used by pagans, yes, but which originally belongs to the Creator, (Hosea 14:8).
Today I begin to reveal what this last branch looks like once engrafted back into the tree. (It was explained already how the other branches fit back into the tree in the post: “Reconciling time with the key of 23″, (October 2, 2020). Ironically, the “minus-33-year-LXX” branch of chronology may well have been the original one!
And why have more than just one branch on a tree?
Because, two lights are brighter than one, and three can hardly be missed in the night sky.
The timing of the “Christmas Star”
Please bear with the following drum roll!
Everything the Lord does is timed exactly. This includes when something is revealed for the first time.
The revelation of what this chronological-branch looks like once engrafted back into its tree is timed to a series of celestial signs. The previous post was about that. However, the main sign is what’s called “The Christmas Star”. It’s when Saturn and Jupiter appear so close to one another that they look like one bright star in the evening sky on Dec. 21, 2020. On that day you can gaze upon this one bright star in the west, thought by some to be the sort of event that marked the actual “star” that led the magi to travel west from Persia towards the Christ-child around 7-1 BC.
It’s big news among the major networks, and especially among those who study this sort of thing, including many cultures and lands. It’s something that last occurred 397 years ago (AD 1623) but likely went unnoticed then due to the glare of the sun.
One must reach back another 397 years to AD 1226 to observe a union as visibly spectacular. However, 1226 was not as striking in this respect: it did not occur on the darkest day of the year — the winter solstice. The winter solstice is traditionally associated with the birth of Christ: The Light of God came into the world on the longest night of the year, at least according to tradition. The Light came 2020 years ago to give 2020-vision to the blind!
As I will demonstrate, the below chart explains the meaning of this sign, even now forming in the heavens that culminate on Dec. 21st. Below is the LXX chart. How it interprets the star will be explained little by little.
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: (Matt. 1:1, the first verse of the New Testament)
As well as 1953 BC as discussed shortly, in the above chart 2133, 2033, 1993, 1973, 1933, 1873, and 1853 BC were all (or nearly) Jupiter-Saturn conjunction years. (All are multiples of 20-years apart.)
“397 years” in Egypt
The most obvious parallel to the Dec. 21st “Christmas star” is “397 years”. The previous time the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter was this close was 397 years ago. But 397 years before that time (397 + 397) was even closer. But as said, because it occurs this time on the winter solstice and not far from Dec. 25th, this year is most spectacular.
The last time this rare celestial event, called the “great conjunction,” was observable was March 4, 1226. The gas giants closely aligned in 1623 (July 16), but its proximity to sunset made its visibility unlikely, according to EarthSky. (Tennessean)
If you read what is said about Ex. 12:40 at the top of the above chart, you will notice that the LXX date for when Israel entered Egypt is “1843 BC”. Therefore, the time spent in Egypt according to the LXX was also 397 years.
- 1843 – 397 years = 1446 BC
Recall the verse quoted by Matthew concerning the wise men and when Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt. Matthew quotes from Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called my son”.
And when they (the magi) were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (Matt. 2:13-16)
Now it happens that Hosea 11:1 “Out of Egypt I called my son” originally in context referred to this very same 397-year stay of Israel in Egypt as “God’s firstborn son”. Jesus is the fulfillment of this shadow of things to come. Moreover, the genealogy of Luke includes “Kenan” of the LXX, (Luke 3
Interestingly, another man by the same name, Joseph, dreamed about 11 stars. His dream was fulfilled when his 11 brothers bowed down to him the same year that they entered Egypt for 397 years, (Gen. 37:9). ‘Coincidentally’, the Joseph story will be read in most all synagogues the very week of Dec. 21st, 2020, when the “star” shines.
Moreover, the Hellenistic Jew, Stephen, utilized the LXX in his speech to the Jews and also refers to a “star” at the time Israel left Egypt, albeit negatively. Stephen appears to refer to this same 397-year period as “400 years” in his speech because from the start of Joseph’s famine until when the tabernacle was set up is exactly 400 years in the LXX. (1845 – 1445 BC, see chart).
6 God spoke to him in this way: ‘For 400 years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated…
11 “Then a famine (1845 BC) struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food… On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was… 15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died…
42 But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:
“‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
43 You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek (i.e., “Saturn”)
and the star of your god Rephanthe, the idols you made to worship.44 “Our ancestors had the tabernacle (1445 BC) of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. (Acts 7)
His speech resulted in a martyrdom that sent the gospel to the Gentiles by the mouth of reluctant Saul of Tarsus. The engrafting of the Gentiles into God’s olive tree began that day, (Rom. 11). The date of his sermon was about AD 34 (Wiki).
The Great Saturn-Jupiter conjunction
As you can see, the Great Molek (Saturn) and Jupiter conjunction (when it appears as if one star) occur on 397.25-year cycles. Every 19.85 years Jupiter and Saturn appear in the heavens together, but every 397.3 is especially close. It happens that exactly five cycles of 397.25 years ago was indeed AD 34 when Stephen gave his sermon!
Moreover, there are exactly 100 cycles of 19.85 years between AD 34 and 2020!
(Basically, a “Great Conjuntion” occurs every 20 cycles of 20 years, and now it the year 2020 — Time to have 2020-vision! (See Num. 24:15-17). It’s as if some Great Mind engineered it for our generation! A sign to both Jew and Gentile!)
The times of the engrafting in of the Gentiles are almost over! Time to enter the Ark of Jesus Christ before it’s too late!
From Abraham to Christ and from Christ until now — the engrafting in of Jews and of Gentiles in BC and AD
The Saturn-Jupiter Great Conjunction (“star”) occurs twice in 1953 BC, six months apart, at just .21 (Nisan 7th) and .14 degrees (Elul 22) apart. This is an exceedingly rare event.
Based upon the standard 1446 BC-exodus date, and the “430-year stay in “Egypt and Canaan” (SP, LXX, NT, see Acts 7) as held by half-of all modern Bible chronologists, Noah died on this very same day! (This date is based on the usual “215-year stay in Egypt and another 215 in Canaan, “430 years in all”.)
Also, Abraham was born exactly “two years” later in 1951 BC, (cf., Matt. 2:16).
Moreover, 14 days after the closest union at .14 degrees, Saturn and Jupiter retrograde together from Tishri 7th to Tishri 14, 1953 BC — the year Noah died. (This date could also be the actual day of Noah’s death if the “950 years” that Noah lived is counted inclusive, as in Gen. 8:13; 9:29).
Astonishingly, for 40 days the two cling together less than a quarter of a degree apart, ending Tishri 17th, the anniversary of when the Ark of Noah rested on Mt. Ararat.
Recall that it rained “40 days and nights”!
Did you notice where this conjunction occurred?
Next to Aquarius in Pisces (the bound fish). Pisces has long been associated with the Hebrews in exile. (77 years later, which is the number that symbolizes “forgiveness and redemption”, Abraham is called out of Babylonian and bondage, Matt. 18:22; Gen.12:4-5).
Notice next where this double-star appears again six months later. It appears in Aquarius, precisely where he pours out his jug of water– long associated with the Flood of Noah! (Gen. 7:11-12).
It remains here, over homes and shelters during the Feast Trumpets and Tabernacles. This sign at the time of the death of Noah and the birth of Abraham was a prophecy and foreshadow of what would be fulfilled at the birth of Jesus, and again at his death. Jesus is “the Son of Abraham”, Matt. 1:1, (cf., Rev. 12).
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: (Matt. 1:1)
After the Magi had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. (Matt. 2:9)
As said, the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn here occur every 397.25 years. (And within each grand cycle are the inferior 20-year cycles.)
Therefore, five cycles elapsed after this exceedingly rare double-event in 1953 BC (100 smaller cycles) to when Stephen gave his sermon on Tishri, AD 34.
Thus, there are ten cycles from 1953 BC to the 2020 (“Christmas Star”) Great Conjunction, (which is 200 of the lesser cycles). (There are 300 cycles back to Creation, etc.)
All this is yet another sign of the wrapping up of the ages by the ingathering of both Jews and Gentiles into “one new Man” — Jesus Christ.
Repent!
Bow down before Him!
Get on the ark of Christ
before the door shuts!
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
and you will be saved.
Below is a five-minute Youtube video I put together. It shows the intriguing movement of Jupiter and Saturn in 1953 BC as they twice form the “Christmas star”.
1953 BC Planetary Alignment — Nothing like it before or after
February 27, 1953 BC: A very close alignment of the naked-eye planets took place in which these planets are together in a span of 4.3 degrees. (Wiki)
In the above image, the 1953 BC planetary alignment forms the shape of an Egyptian flail, the symbol of their bondage for “400 years” Gen. 15:13.
Notice that it runs through the asterism of the “Cross”. At 2- 6 au, it instead runs through the asterism called “The False Cross” on the Noah’s Ark (“Argo”) led by the Dove constellation.
The planets stretch from the Ark (Arg0) unto where Aquarius pours out the Flood! The cross on the ark is only “false” in the sense that Jesus the true ark of safety, whereas Noah’s ark was just a type, (1Peter 3:20,21).
The eight planets are also in pairs, just like the “eight” on the Ark. Remember, this is the year Noah died!
Abraham is born 2 years later. In classical thought, all this signals the end of the ‘golden age’ and the start of the ‘silver age’.
Uranus/Neptune Conjunction at Abraham’s birth
It happens that the two outer planets, Uranus and Neptune, reached full conjunction two years later on February 22, 1951 BC, at Abraham’s birth. This outer pair of planets only come together every 171.5 years (of 365 days), (half 7 x 7 x 7 years).
11 stars bow down to Joseph. (Joseph is the 12th star)
Thus the 397-year grand cycle has occurred six times since Stephens sermon: AD 34, 431, 829, 1226, 1623, 2020.
However, the Jupiter-Saturn “star” has appeared 11 times (inclusive) from the time of Noah & Abraham until now. This is similar to the eleven stars that bowed down to Joseph in his dream. However, that number is “12” if you count 1953 BC twice in that the “star” appeared twice in 1953 BC. Joseph is the ’12th star’, symbolic of Christ.
Consequently, it appeared six times in the Old Testament era (“BC”) concerning the Jews and six times in the New Testament era (“AD”) concerning the Gentiles and Jews. The Bible tells us that the Gentiles submitted to Joseph two years after his eleven brothers bowed down, (Gen. 47:13-26).
Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” (Gen. 39:12)
Notice that the “sun and moon” also bow down. It happens that on Dec. 14th, seven days before the Dec. 21st “Christmas star” peaks, a total solar eclipse of the sun occurs.
Typhoon Yasa (Jesus?)
Moreover, record-setting Typhoon Yasa, (which as a Hebrew word means “he will save יָשַׁע ” ‘Yasha‘, see Arabic “Yasue” يسوع ?), mushroomed in power also on Dec. 14 to 18th, 2020. It made landfall on Fiji.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save (“yasha/יָשַׁע“) his people from their sins.
Jesus said,
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (Luke 21:25)
Back to the eclipse:
Recall that the eleventh and twelfth time this “star” appears culminates this year, Dec. 21st, 2020 — as the Joseph-story about the 11 stars bowing down is read in the synagogues.
Thus, 1950 years passed from 1953 BC to 3 BC when a similar sign marked the birth of Jesus, and another 1950 years until the birth of Israel as a nation in 1948, 3900 years in all — in agreement with the prophecy of the “390 years” in Ezekiel 4 wherein the Lord bore the sins of Israel.
And from 1953/1 BC to 2020 are 3970 (& 3972). That’s ten times that of the LXX stay in Egypt (397 years) about which the Lord reveals this very week, now, capping off 30 years of study.
The six conjunctions (“stars”) that have appeared every 397 years from 34 to 2020 AD
Click to enlarge any of the below six conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter (as seen together in the above image).
Notice that 397 years from now (AD 2417), the pattern ends in that the star (scepter) has utterly passed from the feet of Leo. Leo is no longer part of the pattern.
This struggle back and forth between the claws of Cancer and the feet of Leo has been examined many times in past posts, and as always this sign, too, is on the Prophetic Map. (Also read Rev. 12 and see the previous post.)
Endnote:
- Every three cycles of 19.861 years the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occur almost in the same constellation. Every 2622 years (23 x 114 & 69 x 19 x 2) the entirety will rotate around the zodiac back to its original position, (about 957600 days). This creates patterns too complex to explain now.
From Dec 21st, 2020 Great Saturn-Jupiter conjunction minus 2622 years is 603 BC. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue of gold, silver, etc. was also in 603 BC. The dream predicted the kingdoms that would rule until the coming of Christ, (Dan. 2). Therefore, this year marks the soon completion of this dream.
- The “19.861-year cycles” of Jupiter and Saturn is almost exactly the fraction of 143/144th of an exact 20 years. “144” (12 x 12) is an extremely important number in the Bible. Perhaps the 19.861-year cycle is “20 years” from the perspective of Saturn and Jupiter; it’s when their ‘clock’ chimes, thereby dividing time into 20-year segments. This would mean that 397 years is 400 years from the perspective of Saturn and Jupiter. (See, 29515 AD pillar to 1446 BC, i.e., 144 x 215 years, which creates a 215-year gap.)
- Interesting facts about the planets: Overtime on average the moon overlaps the planet Saturn every 168 days, the planet Venus every 177 days, and the planets Mars and Jupiter every 180 days.
168 is half a priestly year. 177 is half a lunar year. 180 is half a 360-year. Mars is every 162 days and therefore overlaps 180 every nine cycles on average. Moreover, Mars and Jupiter align with Saturn every 2520 days on average (1260 + 1260 days).
Also, see Roe v. Wade overthrown & great signs in the heavens
Also see, “Reconciling time with the key of 23″, October 2, 2020
Dean, I would like to ask you your view on the Last 7 Year Calendar leading to the Last Jubilee. For those without the vast knowledge you have on this topic, it seems Yah would be sure to simplify the last 7 year calendar so all calendar groups would be on the same page with His moedim and shabbats.
Through anchor dates, it seems when we see the signing of the ‘agreement made with many’ in Daniel 9:27, the reset of 2,520 day timeline would begin. Jubilees as I understand begin and end on the Day of Atonement. So, for example, if the Abraham Accord on Sept 15, 2020 was this ‘agreement’, it seems as if Yah would want us to reset that date to the day after the Day of Atonement in the 7th month of the 1st year. Then the 2,520 days would end on the Day of Atonement in 2027 in the 7th year.
It appears that Yahusha stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah 61 in 27 A.D based on Tiberius’s reign beginning in 12 A.D. as a co-regent and it being the 15th year of his reign in Luke 3:1. If Yahusha was giving us an ‘anchor’ Jubilee, that would mean that the 120th Jubilee ‘might’ be 2027 which correlates to Genesis 6:3 being 120 Jubilees and not the number of years a man might live since some have exceeded that date.
Would love to hear your view. Thanks.
Numeric patterns in the Bible are like a tree with its main branches and sub-branches that stem from them, and smaller branches that stem from the sub-branches, etc. Therefore it is correct to assume that there will be some sort of obvious overarching numeric easily identified by all students of prophecy.
27 AD is correct, basically. However, you are using the wrong jubilees. A jubilee is 49 years, not 50. Sadly, Jews who rejected Christ soon make and taught that change from 49 to 50 years and even altered the entire chronology to such an extent that today it is nearly 200 years out even on events such as Nehemiah and the Exile. Please see Wiki about the Sedar Olam to see what i mean. (Also see https://1260d.com/2020/10/02/23-and-2300-of-daniel-8-is-the-key-to-all-biblical-numeric/ ).
The Lord has a plan for Israel, I know. But this does not change the fact as to the sad change from 50 to 49 years. Still, God who is rich in mercy will utilize the 50-years to save souls. God is love after all. Nevertheless, the jubilee revealed by Moses and kept by Joshua was unequivocal ‘7 x 7 years’, with the 50th inclusive only. Thus from the Exodus in 1446 BC to AD 25 are 30 jubilees, and to 1985 are 70. More importantly, from the conquest in 1406 BC are 70 to 2025 AD. But back to 27 AD. I write about this in detail in an article from 20 years ago here… https://www.1260-1290-days-bible-prophecy.org/Jubilee-missing-Sabbaths.htm
It’s a little complex, but basically, the Bible tells us that Pentecost 1445 BC was when God intended that Israel enter the Promised Land, and “11-day journey”, Dt 1:2). See https://www.1260-1290-days-bible-prophecy.org/pentecost-Day-420-bible-prophecy-1.htm
Therefore, 1445 BC Pentecost is 30 jubilees to AD 26 when Christ was 30. Perhaps He was 29 and his ministry began AD 27? But the connection is striking when one considers that 40 years later Jerusalem was besieged by the Romans (66 to 70 AD) and that these 40 years corresponds to the 40 years that Israel was in the wilderness in the sense that both 40-year periods are separated by 30 jubilees.
Therefore, yes 27 AD (and late 26 AD) are important pillar dates.
Not afraid of Chinese calendars, planets lining up, or what the scientists at NASA say. I trust God and His word.
Of course!
I should add that, considering the terrible signs at the time of Joseph Biden’s Election , we should have healthly suspicion as to whether or not he could be the Son of Perdition. Also note that there are many other candidates & other things must happen.
Jesus Christ is the REAL Light of the World! I believe that if this is kept in your hearts, than you will not be deceived.
Hi Dean!
Maybe this isn’t the best place to let you know, but the chronology of the Samaritan Pentateuch Chronology that you posted on your other website ( https://www.1260-1290-days-bible-prophecy.org/1260_days-bible-prophecy-numbers-ch-3a.htm ) says the Flood is dated as 2893BC (all dates in Spring I assume). Therefore, an Autumn Flood of 2894BC or Spring Flood of 2893BC are Possible.
That is 2890 years until the Wise Men & Christmas Star t4-n3BC! But it is also 4913 Years 17*17*17 Years until Now (Autumn 2020AD to Spring 2021AD)!
Not sure if its significant but NY is getting their first round of vaccines to Cov 19 on December 21st according to local news channel 12 .
God Bless You
About the Joseph Biden connection to the Biblical story of Joseph, note that this is just allegory pointing to Joseph of the Bible, who was a foreshadow of Christ. Do not count on the new American president to save you, but Jesus the Messiah only!
Report from Times of Israel:
“King: ‘Special ties’ with Jews; PM: ‘Bright light of peace'”
“‘Historic decision’: Israel and Morocco agree on full ties ‘as soon as possible’
US move to recognize Rabat’s claim over Western Sahara paves way for fourth in series of Trump-brokered Israel normalization accords, will include embassies and direct flights”
By Jacob Magid and AP 10 December 2020, 6:53 pm
Sultan, Evan Vucci and Moroccan Royal Palace/AP)
“Israel and Morocco have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations, US President Donald Trump announced Thursday, marking the fourth Arab-Israel agreement in four months.”
“As part of the announcement, Trump said that the US would recognize Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region.”
“As his time in office winds down, Trump said Israel and Morocco would restore diplomatic and other relations, including the immediate opening of liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv and the eventual opening of embassies. US officials said it would also include joint overflight rights for airlines.”
“Channel 13 news reported that the White House is aiming to hold a ceremony to make the agreement official before Trump leaves office on January 20.”
In their first reactions to Trump’s announcement later Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Moroccan King Mohammed VI lauded the latest normalization agreement.
“This will be a very warm peace. On this Hannukah, the light of peace has never shone brighter than today in the Middle East,” said Netanyahu at a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony at the Western Wall.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-and-morocco-to-establish-full-official-relations-trump-announces/
This Evening was the 23rd day of the 9th/10 Month on the 360-Day Calendar and the First Night of Hanukkah.
Amazing!
“Coincidentally” the Electoral College will vote for JOSEPH Biden as the next President of the United States on the same day the Sun & the Moon Bow down in the Dec.14th, 2020 South American Total Eclipse on the same day. 1565SBC is 1564 Symbolic day/years (23X17X4) until the Traditional birth of Jesus Christ (1BC). If using the 23 Enochian Years to 25 Priestly Years conversion, this could be expanded from Christ’s birth to 1701BC Bith of Joseph (Autumn MT + SP’s Exodus 12:40).
And it is 119 days (360-Calendar reckoning) from the Lionshead (Gen.49:8-12) fire on Oregon & the Lighting Complex fires in California Aug. 16, 2020 after 6PM & Aug. 17, 2020.
Wow, amazing how it all comes together, especially 1843 +397 years unto 1446BC! The +33 years in Canaan = 430 Years! God is amazing!
Dean
For your consideration, no need to publish if not relevant . Just thinking about what you said about God aligning all calendars on His terms..
New york post NEWS | June 19, 1993
Astronomers Solve Ancient Mystery of the Chinese Calendar
Astronomers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the U.S. Naval Observatory have solved the ancient mystery of the origin of the Chinese calendar, it was reported to the 182nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society today in Berkeley, Calif.
Kevin Pang of JPL and John Bangert of the Naval Observatory said they have found a date in 1953 B.C. when the sun, moon and five planets all lined up in the sky at dawn — providing the basis for the beginning of the Chinese calendar.
The astronomers used planetary positions in ancient times — available in JPL’s ephemerides, or database of planetary motions — to pinpoint the date.
Although alignments of Jupiter, Mars and other planets have been followed by neither, that has not discouraged new speculations about a coming conjunction of the sun, moon and five planets in the constellation Aries on May 5, 2000 A.D., Pang said.
Pang suggests that westerners’ fear of such heavenly signs may have been ingrained by the 1345 A.D. planetary conjunction in the constellation Aquarius, which was followed by the Black Death that killed a third of Europe’s population.
In contrast, he said, Asian cultures have always considered a five-planet alignment as a favorable omen, signaling the dawn of
a new age and the world’s renewal.
While the beginning of a day is dawn, a five-planet conjunction occurring at dawn, with a new moon, and the start of spring would truly be the beginning of all cycles, he said. For calendar makers, such a moment would also be an ideal starting point for counting days, months, years and planetary periods.
“From the 13th century B.C. they looked for that moment,” Pang said. “The quest motivated the ancient Chinese to build ever better clocks, better instruments and observatories. They had a vast network of observers. They finally concluded that such a magic moment never did occur and ended the search in 1280 A.D.”
Later, Jesuit missionaries in China, using formulas based on Johann Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, took up the search again but they also failed, Pang said.
The date they suggested for the magic moment, February 28, 2449 B.C. is incorrect, yet is still listed in a Guinness book of
astronomical records.
In the latest search for the Holy Grail of Chinese astronomy, Pang and Bangert were aided by computer-generated planetary ephemerides and a clue from an ancient text.
Pang found a passage in a 1st century B.C. text of Hong Fan Zhuan, that says: “The Ancient Zhuanxu calendar (invented in about 2000 B.C.) began at dawn, in the beginning of spring, when the sun, new moon and five planets gathered in the constellation Yingshi (Pegasus.)” The book was written by Liu Xiang who lived from 77 to 9 B.C.
Pang said this was all the hint he and Bangert needed. A computer search of planetary positions in the 2000 B.C. era gave
only one possible match — March 5, 1953 B.C.
Before dawn on that day, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn lined up like a pearl necklace in the eastern sky, next to the Great Pegasus Square, he said. The planets all spanned but a few degrees. The new moon occurred shortly thereafter when the sun, moon, and five planets all lined up in Pegasus, exactly as Liu had stated.
The dawn of March 5, 1953 B.C. was indeed the beginning of a day, month, year and all known planetary cycles, the magic moment Chinese and Jesuit astronomers searched for over 2000 years, Pang said.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
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PASADENA, CALIF. 91109. TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011
Contact: Jim Doyle
You just made my day!
The only reason I did not spot this alignment myself is that the labels for the planets were not on in my software — very obvious once all planets are tagged.
Wow!