Today’s radio

GOOD MORNING SUNDAY

6AM, RADIO 2 ★★★ The three wise men may have been astronomers, travelling from Babylon to chart a cosmic event. A number of theories have been floating around as to what that event might have been. In this morning’s show, the astronomer Mark Thompson considers some of these ideas about the star that led the magi to Bethlehem.

EBU CHRISTMAS AROUND EUROPE

9AM, 4PM, RADIO 3 ★★★★★ This is one of the great musical treats of Christmas. Every year, in an impressive piece of radio wizardry, we hear Christmas music from across Europe. This year, English choral works, folk songs from Sweden, carols from Spain, Advent music from Austria

Bruno Tonioli (9pm, Radio 2) and songs of light from Iceland bring the Christmas spirit to the airwaves. Make it your backdrop for the day to bring a bit of joy into those pre-christmas tasks.

GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME

2PM, RADIO 4 ★★★ House plants are hugely popular; we enjoy them as much for their appearance as for their supposed health-giving properties. Sadly, many of these plants will fall victim to overwatering, underwatering, pests or neglect. This special edition of the regular plant advice show could prevent that happening to your gems.

BRUNO TONIOLI AT THE OPERA

9PM, RADIO 2 ★★★★ Bruno Tonioli loves opera. He loves the big themes and the high emotions, but most of all, he adores the music. In this opening episode of his third series on favourite opera pieces, he picks music on the theme of parents. We get heartbreak from Madama Butterfly, low cunning from Gianni Schicchi and a desperate murderous plot from Rigoletto. Follow Bruno’s advice and give yourself over to it. SJ