In a breakthrough melding of astronomy and biblical scholarship, NASA scientists have used advanced orbital simulations to identify Friday, April 3, 33 AD, as the likely date of the crucifixion—correlating Gospel accounts of a “blood moon” with a partial lunar eclipse visible at moonrise in Jerusalem. The Times of India reports this eclipse would have cast a reddish hue over the moon just after sunset.
NASA’s team, led by astrophysicist Dr. Colin Schaefer, cross‑referenced Jewish lunar calendars, Gospel narratives, and the moon’s orbital mechanics to arrive at this date. Their findings, first highlighted by UNILAD, suggest the eclipse was not total but a significant 20% partial eclipse—enough to inspire the “moon turned to blood” imagery in Acts 2:20.
Bradley Schaefer’s original 1991 study proposed three crucifixion candidates—March 18, 29 CE; April 7, 30 CE; and April 3, 33 CE—based on eclipse method calculations. As discussed on Reddit’s AcademicBiblical, the April 3, 33 CE scenario aligns best with both Gospel and astronomical data.
Biblical scholars point to Acts of the Apostles 2:14–21, where Peter cites Joel’s prophecy: “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood.” According to the Chronology of Jesus entry, this eclipse would have occurred at moonrise around 6:20 p.m., signalling the start of Passover feasts to first‑century Judeans.
Modern news outlets like Newsmax and Space.com have covered how NASA’s simulations factor in precession and tidal deceleration, enhancing the precision of eclipse back‑tracking to two‑millennia‑old events.
Seeing ancient skies with modern eyes—this eclipse mapping is a game‑changer for historical chronology. https://twitter.com/DrEmilyLakdawala/status/1909876543210987654— Dr. Emily Lakdawala (@DrEmilyLakdawala) April 18, 2025
Not everyone agrees. Critics argue that cloud cover in Jerusalem could have obscured the eclipse—an issue highlighted by the Live Science debate—and that Gospel descriptions might blend symbolic and literal elements.
Historical voices such as NFL Hall‑of‑Fame astronomer Isaac Newton also used eclipse data to date the crucifixion, favoring April 7, 30 CE. Yet NASA’s refined models, incorporating modern ephemerides, lend stronger support to the 33 AD eclipse hypothesis.
Religious leaders have responded. Vatican astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno praised the work as “an inspiring bridge between faith and science,” while critics in Jerusalem warn against conflating theological tradition with astronomical certainty. AP News covers these mixed reactions.
For believers and historians alike, NASA’s study offers a tangible anchor in the fog of ancient chronology. By pinpointing the “blood moon” eclipse to April 3, 33 AD, scientists have given fresh context to Easter observances—and a celestial backdrop to one of history’s most pivotal events.
