Introduction

Assuming the Genesis 1 account to be true and accurate, can we scientifically determine a time in the earth’s history that is consistent with the scriptures? Specifically, was there a time when there was dry land surrounded by oceans (Day 3), plants growing on the land (Day 3), light shining upon the land (Day 1), and no visibility of the sun, moon, and stars (beginning of Day 4)? The answer, according to mainstream science is yes, about 1.9 billion years ago.

Early Atmoshphere was Hazy

According to research reported in the Proceedings for the National Academy of Sciences, it is believed that 2.4 Ga (billion years ago), the earth’s atmosphere was primarily methane and carbon dioxide, similar to the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan, which is mostly nitrogen and methane. Given the sun-blocking nature of Titan's atmosphere, it suggests that such a haze may have covered the earth as well:

The researchers mimicked Titan’s hazy skies by exposing methane gas to an ultraviolet lamp, then added carbon dioxide gas to the mix to see if conditions that were probably present on early Earth would produce a similar organic haze. “It turns out that organic haze can form over a wide range of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations,” said Tolbert. “This means that hazy conditions could have been present for many millions or even a billion years on Earth while life was evolving.”

Such a haze would have helped early plant life to gain a foothold on the eco-system, as it turned the carbon dioxide into oxygen. Eventually, 1.9 Ga, there was sufficient Oxygen in the atmosphere to clear up the skies, to a point where the sun, moon, and stars could be seen from the earth. It set up the earth for supporting animal life as well.

Scripture and Science Confirm Each Other

If the earth is old, and scripture is true, then the scriptural record of the sun, moon, and stars appearing after Day 3 may serve as proof of the science. And if that is the case, then the scientific explanation for the haze would help explain why the sun, moon, and stars were able to create light on Day 1, yet were not visible until Day 4, even after the clouds (Job 38:9) cleared across Days 2 and 3.