According to Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus was accompanied by a number of physical phenomena:
1. The veil of the temple was torn.
2. The darkening of the sun from noon to three pm.
3. The resurrection of dead saints.
4. An earthquake.
Is there any confirmation of these events outside of the gospels? Perhaps.
On this Good Friday, this scholarly article is very interesting.
JETS is a scholarly and respected journal and the professor is from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a seminary with a serious academic reputation. Enjoy.