At the end of last year, we were bombarded with a series of alarming predictions for 2026.
From the ever-evolving artificial intelligence industry to potential contact with alien lifeforms, there's plenty to watch for this year.
To start, Baba Vanga predicted first contact with extraterrestrials in 2026. This comes as the mysterious 3I/ATLAS object reached its closest approach to Earth just last month.
If we turn our focus to the Living Nostradamus, Athos Salomé, who successfully forecasted Queen Elizabeth II's passing and the COVID-19 outbreak, he had a lot to say about 2026 predictions.
Advert
We're talking growing tensions for Iran and Israel, Japan's semiconductor shortage and a dangerous solar storm that is approaching planet Earth. By March 2026, our planet is reportedly set to see 'coronal mass ejections.'
Their track record in forecasting doesn't inspire much hope for avoiding tragedy this year. Now, with recent news headlines, it appears another mystic prediction might be materialising.
The Trump administration has kidnapped Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is set to appear before a New York court today (5 January).
Advert
On Saturday, the President commanded US forces to seize both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, detaining them on 'narco-terrorism' charges. After his capture, people began recalling a Nostradamus prediction that many now worry will come true following Trump's latest move.
Born Michel de Nostredame, Nostradamus was a 16th century French astrologer and psychic who died in 1566.
The mystic composed his prophecies into coded poems using different languages, leading many to believe some had been misunderstood or remain open to interpretation. One of his famous texts, Les Propheties, featured 942 predictions.
Advert
"Back in the late 80s, I read what is considered a misinterpreted Nostradamus prediction for ww3," one person wrote on X, as per Tyla.
They explained that it was 'basically a country in the West will have the village idiot as their leader and a man with a blue hat will be the reason for another world war. Doesn't seem misinterpreted anymore.'
Someone else added: "Remembered that Nostradamus predicted ww3 for 2026."
The prediction translates to: "Seven months great war, people dead through evil / Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail."
Advert
Now, history fans are connecting Nostradamus' predictions to the ongoing issues with Russia and Ukraine, with many fearing that the latest action against Venezuela will trigger another devastation like World War 3.
That said, the words 'Rouen' and 'Evreux' are rooted in 16th century French geography, so this theory might not relate to the US and Venezuela on this occasion.
This year has only just started but it seems there's a lot to come... just not all good, unfortunately.