Recent analyses by NASA scientists have provided compelling astronomical evidence that may align with biblical accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. By examining historical celestial events, researchers have identified a partial lunar eclipse that occurred on Friday, April 3, 33 CE—a date long associated with the crucifixion.
The Lunar Eclipse of April 3, 33 CE
NASA’s calculations indicate that a partial lunar eclipse took place on the evening of April 3, 33 CE. This eclipse would have been visible in Jerusalem shortly after sunset, causing the moon to appear with a reddish hue—a phenomenon often referred to as a “blood moon.” This description resonates with passages from the New Testament, such as Acts 2:20, which states, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come.”
Biblical Correlations
The Gospels recount extraordinary events during the crucifixion, including darkness covering the land from noon until 3 p.m. While some interpretations suggest a solar eclipse, astronomical data confirms that a solar eclipse could not have occurred during Passover, which coincides with a full moon. Therefore, the darkness described may have been due to other atmospheric phenomena or symbolic language.
Scholarly Support
Researchers Colin Humphreys and W. Graeme Waddington from the University of Oxford have supported the identification of April 3, 33 CE, as the date of the crucifixion. Their studies, incorporating NASA’s data, suggest that the lunar eclipse observed that evening could explain the “blood moon” referenced in scripture.
Implications for Historical Chronology
These findings offer a potential convergence between historical astronomy and biblical narratives, providing a tangible context for the events described in religious texts. While interpretations vary, the alignment of this lunar eclipse with the traditional date of the crucifixion adds a layer of historical plausibility to the scriptural accounts.
