Based on both the Bible and some scientific data, it might seem reasonable to think that a solar eclipse like the one millions of people will view on Aug. 21 occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

A translation of the Gospel of Luke 23:44-45 in the New American Bible says so without qualification:

“It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun.”

Two other gospels note the sudden midday darkness. From the King James version of the Gospel of Matthew 27:45, “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” Mark 15:33 says, “And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.”

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