NASA Analysis Proposes Astronomical Date for Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion
NASA’s Lunar Eclipse Discovery May Align with Biblical Account of Jesus’ Crucifixion
Researchers from Oxford University suggest NASA findings could corroborate Biblical descriptions of darkness and a “blood moon” following Jesus’ crucifixion. The Bible mentions the sun darkening and the moon turning to blood around the time of Jesus’ death (Acts 2:20), which scholars have long debated as either metaphorical or literal astronomical events.
NASA’s 33AD Lunar Eclipse
NASA’s historical models pinpoint a lunar eclipse on April 3, 33AD—a date traditionally linked to Jesus’ crucifixion. The eclipse would have been visible in Jerusalem shortly after sunset, with the moon’s position casting a reddish hue. This aligns with descriptions of a “blood moon” in scripture. While NASA identified this eclipse in the 1990s, the connection resurfaces periodically, recently gaining traction on social media during Easter observances.
[Image 1: Christians commemorating Good Friday]
Caption: Good Friday marks Jesus’ crucifixion, with NASA’s findings suggesting celestial events described in the Bible.
Biblical and Historical Context
The Book of Acts quotes the apostle Peter referencing Joel 2:28–31: “The sun will turn to darkness, and the moon to blood.” Some scholars argue Peter was describing past events—the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:45) and the subsequent lunar eclipse—instead of prophesizing the future. Oxford researchers Colin Humphreys and W. Graeme Waddington propose that Peter linked these phenomena to fulfill Joel’s ancient prophecy, not to predict Jesus’ return.
Controversy and Apocryphal Texts
Critics note that Joel’s text predates Jesus by centuries, suggesting Peter’s words were symbolic. However, Humphreys and Waddington cite non-canonical sources like The Report of Pilate, which describes eerie darkness and a blood-like moon during the crucifixion. Though excluded from the Bible, such texts bolster theories of unusual celestial activity overlapping with Jesus’ death.
[Image 2: NASA’s model of the 33AD lunar eclipse]
Caption: NASA’s astronomical simulations show a reddish lunar eclipse visible from Jerusalem on April 3, 33AD.
Good Friday and Easter’s Lunar Roots
Easter’s date ties to lunar cycles, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring—a tradition rooted in aligning the holiday with Passover and Jesus’ resurrection timeline. Scholars believe the crucifixion occurred near Passover, explaining why early Christians connected Easter to lunar events. NASA’s data adds a scientific layer to this ancient intersection of faith and astronomy.
While debates continue, the 33AD eclipse offers a compelling bridge between scripture and science, inviting reflection on how historical events intersect with religious narratives. For many, the discovery reinforces the enduring mystery and reverence surrounding Easter’s origins.
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