Historical detective Graham Phillips explored the possibility that the biblical account of the ten plagues of Egypt could have been caused by a volcanic eruption. According to his research, the Exodus from Egypt may have been occurring at the same time as a violent eruption on the island of Thera in the Aegean, around 1400 B.C.

The ash from the volcano might have created several days of "darkness" (one of the plagues) in Egypt, he theorized. Additionally, he suggested that the plagues of frogs, locusts and flies, may have come about because their natural predators were all killed off by the fallout from the volcanic ash. Also, the incident at the Red Sea might have been related to tidal waves set off by the volcano, he added.

Phillips also discussed the unusual discoveries at Tomb 55 in Egypt where amulets were set up to trap a spirit inside his coffin. He speculated that this may have been the tomb of a Pharaoh who was born at the time of the volcano/plagues and was thus considered cursed by his people. He also touched on his investigations into King Arthur, Merlin and the Ark of the Covenant. For more, check out related images Phillips sent us.

Space News

1st half-hour guest, astronomer Phil Plait discussed a recent close call asteroid. He said it was classified as an "Apollo," an Earth-crossing type of asteroid, and because it flew in from the direction of the sun, it was very difficult to spot in advance. More of Plait's comments on asteroids are posted here.

2nd half-hour guest Richard C. Hoagland of Enterprise Mission remarked on the phenomenon akin to a car wash that has given new life to one of the NASA rovers on Mars, calling it a "stunning mystery." He also analyzed a curious photo taken by the Opportunity rover, noting rectangular shapes and the possible presence of water. Check out this graphic pitching Richard C. Hoagland for NASA Administrator.