You guys have to admit... this author is not one who scoffs at science, or is a science nincompoop.
His "days" fit perfectly with Jesus's statement recorded here:
Matt 24:22 "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."
and here:
Mark 13:20 "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days."