Curiosity Hub: The star of Christmas: fact or fairytale?

Everyone has heard about the star at Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus (which is therefore also considered the "star of Christmas"). But was that "star" a supernova or a planetary conjunction? Or perhaps a mere myth which was imagined in order to make the story of Jesus's birth more impressive? To what extent and on what points do astronomy, historical records, and the text of the biographies of Jesus align with each other, and to what extent do they contradict each other?
Professor Humphreys, a prominent materials scientist, brings logic and intellectual rigour to the discussion.