article_snippet.sent: It was a vision that apparently led Paul 2,000 years ago
article_snippet.sent: But now astronomers believe the bright light in the sky that triggered the conversion of Paul 2,000 years ago may have actually been a falling meteor 2,000 years ago.
article_snippet.sent: astronomers say descriptions of Paul 2,000 years ago's experience - in which Paul 2,000 years ago was blinded for three days after seeing a bright light - match accounts of the fireball that streaked across the sky above Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013.
article_snippet.sent: Paul 2,000 years ago converted to Christianity after experiencing a bright light and a divine voice while Paul 2,000 years ago traveled on a road towards Damascus in Syria, as depicted in this painting by Michelangelo, but this painting may have been a meteor .
article_snippet.sent: Writing in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science, Paul 2,000 years ago said: 'The first-century book, Acts of the Apostles, gives three separate descriptions of a bright light "from heaven", which occurred probably in the 30s (C.E.) near Damascus, Syria.
article_snippet.sent: However, during a journey to Damascus, Syria, Paul and Paul companions saw a bright light in the sky.
article_snippet.sent: Paul was blinded for three days and Paul heard a divine voice or sound.
article_snippet.sent: However, some have attempted to explain Paul's vision as being the result of some kind of seizure or of sunstroke.
article_snippet.sent: Dr Hartmann said the Cheyabinsk meteor, which exploded in the atmosphere close to the Russian city, is a good example of what Paul may have experienced.
article_snippet.sent: Its movement across the sky created fast moving shadows that would have given the impression of the light moving around Paul.
article_snippet.sent: The meteorite that streaked across the sky above Chelyabinsk in Russia (above) created a bright light and noise that may have been similar to those experienced by Paul the Apostle in 30 AD, claims astronomer .
article_snippet.sent: Dr Hartmann says that The shockwave caused by exploding meterorite over Chelyabinsk could also have been responsible for knocking Paul and Paul companions to the ground after the light.
article_snippet.sent: Dr Hartmann Dr Hartmann also argues that the sound of the explosion could also have been the source of the 'voice' Paul heard.
article_snippet.sent: The three accounts of Paul experience in the Bible differ, with some saying it was a voice and others a sound.
article_snippet.sent: Paul's temporary blindness could also have been caused by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the meteor - creating a condition called photokeratitis.
article_snippet.sent: Speaking to New Scientist, Dr Hartmann Dr Hartmann said: 'Everything they are describing in those three accounts in the book of Acts are exactly the sequence you see with a fireball. '
highlights_snippet.sent: Astronomer claims bright light and divine voice heard by Paul 2,000 years ago may have been exploding meteor similar to the one over Chelyabinsk .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Scientist claims this may have been the source of Paul's 'vision' in 30AD .
  