Observatory uses scripture, science to present ‘The Christmas Star’
Published 8:00 am Thursday, December 11, 2025
A free program on “The Christmas Star” will be presented Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium in French Camp.
Observatory director Edwin Faughn will present the program as part of the 4-County Electric Foundation “Exploring the Heavens” series.
“The Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” has been debated among scientists and theologians for centuries. Was it a comet, supernova, planetary conjunction, a biblical allegory, or totally supernatural event that announced the birth of Jesus Christ? Faughn will lead attendees on an informative journey to help discover more about this celestial event using the latest biblical as well as scientific research.
Faughn is also an artist and lecturer specializing in space sciences and has presented hundreds of programs to diverse audiences including but not limited to universities, museums, schools, churches, civic groups, scouts, and various other organizations. His original artwork has been featured in and on the covers of international space science magazines, exhibitions, and planetarium productions. A few of his credits include Scientific American, Federal Express World Headquarters, and the world premiere of Titanic: The Exhibition. He also served nearly 20 years as the art director for the Sharpe Planetarium of the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, Tennessee. His has also been featured on the main KEPLER website of NASA’s Ames Research Center and at www.edwinfaughn.com
Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located one mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off MS Hwy. 413 near the village of French Camp.
For more information, contact Faughn at Rainwater Observatory by phone at 662-547-7283 or info@rainwaterobservatory.org.