[ WP ] Earth did get tidally locked with the Moon and it 's only viewable from either North or South America . When Europeans first come to the new world they also tell tales of a new object in the sky . ( x-post from /r/space )

`` It's a guiding light!'' Columbus insisted, pointing at the massive orb hanging over the deck of the Santa Maria. It had appeared slowly, a constant fixture in the sky as the small armada crossed the Atlantic. It started as a mere sliver of light, like the break of dawn, but grew more and more every day until it practically swallowed the stars. `` It lights our way like a beacon!'' His words were confident, but almost pleading. The men were not convinced. 
 
 `` It's an omen!'' one called from the back. There was a murmur of agreement. `` God provides the sun, and the *devil* provides this false sun! You are leading us straight to hell!'' Worried shouts followed that statement, each man clamoring to have his own say. Arguments sparked up from every corner of the deck, and Columbus's hand strayed to the hilt of his sword hanging at his belt; this was getting ugly. 
 
 `` It's not an omen, or a light,'' a voice insisted from the back. It was n't a shout, and it was neither angry nor worried nor scared. The voice was calm. At peace with God. It was Father Ramon. 
 
 The arguments died down, and all eyes turned toward the robed priest standing near the base of the mast. He had stayed quiet for a long time about the orb, and all the men had been waiting to hear his thoughts. He was both a learned man, and a man of God. If anyone on board could understand what this was, it was him. The deck grew silent, save for the gentle waping of the waves against the hull and the soft swish of wind in the sails. Even the bright orb overhead seemed to loom closer, waiting for the proclamation. 
 
 Father Ramon opened his bible and cleared his throat: 
 
 `` After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed *a flaming sword that flashed back and forth* to guard the way to the tree of life.'' 
 
 He let that sink in for a moment. `` The orb grows dull during the day, and bright again at night.'' It was a fact, to be sure, but the implication was obvious to all: the orb was the sword of the Archangel, guarding the way to the Garden of Eden. And swords only have one purpose. 
 
 `` It's nothing like a sword!'' Columbus protested, keeping an eye on the closest members of the crew. It seemed they were slowly inching toward him. 
 
 There was a roar again and arguments broke out all over, but Father Ramon silenced them once more with his gentle voice. 
 
 `` In all your journeys, have you never seen a curved battle-axe, Captain?'' 
 
 Columbus stared into the priest's dark eyes. They carried a dangerous glint that the Captain had never seen in the priest's normally gentle expression. 
 
 `` The verse says *sword*,'' Columbus protested meekly. His fate was already sealed, and he knew it. 
 
 `` Moors carry curved swords!'' someone shouted. Columbus searched for who had spoken, but the voice was lost in the chorus of agreement that swelled up. Father Ramon stayed silent; nothing more needed to be said. 
 
 `` Turn around!'' one of the men shouted. Others followed suit until it became a steady chant, wafting across the water. 
 
 Columbus stood stalwart on by the wheel, overlooking the men. The rage in their faces was unquenchable. 
 
 `` Queen Isabella tasked me with finding a new route to the Orient!'' he told them. `` And I could never betray my queen. I will continue onward, and risk the wrath of this sword of the angels or whatever it may be! What say you?'' 
 
 Two sets of hands grasped his arms from behind, and he felt the point of the knife stick into the small of his back. The First Mate approached and removed Columbus's sword from its jeweled scabbard: `` You're relieved, Captain.''
