NASA speaks out on theory Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds on August 12
NASA's response to an alarming theory has left people relieved today, as many on social media had speculated that Earth would lose all gravity for just seven seconds, with potentially catastrophic consequences as a result.
While this might not necessarily seem like a long time in theory, it has the potential to cause an alarming number of fatalities across the globe with some estimates indicating that over 40 million people would die after falling from a great height.
As reported by Snopes, common belief indicates that this world-changing event will take place on August 12, stemming from a supposedly leaked document from NASA that points towards the date.
NASA has thankfully shut down these claims, indicating that they are completely made up and have no scientific backing, quelling worries that the world could be plunged into chaos.
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What's complicated things further is the incredibly rare alignment of three astronomical events on the exact same day, with a total solar eclipse, a six-planet parade, and the peak of the Perseid shower all falling on August 12 as well.
This has caused some to believe that the apocalypse will somehow be triggered in response, with previous fears surrounding the brief loss of gravity only furthering that as we draw closer.
How has NASA responded?
Indicating exactly why these claims are false with no foundation in fact, the space agency issued a statement outlining the following:
"The Earth will not lose gravity on August 12, 2026. Earth's gravity, or total graviational force, is determined by its mass. The only way for the Earth to lose gravity would be for the Earth system, the combined mass of its core, mantle, crust, ocean, terrestrial water, and atmosphere, to lose mass.
"A total solar eclipse has no unusual impact on Earth's gravity. The gravitational attraction of the Sun and Moon on the Earth, which doesn't impact Earth's total gravity, but does impact tidal forces, is well understood and is predictable decades in advance," the space agency clarified.
So, in short, NASA has declared that this theory is completely made up and has no basis in science, leading many to breathe a sigh of relief as the timing of the event today couldn't be worse.
It appears as if the eight-second link could be due to the notion that it'd take eight minutes for us to notice if the Sun completely disappeared, with the number being the only thing to carry over in this wild theory.
Does this link to the other astronomical events happening today?
While it's all a massive coincidence, the three astronomical events set to take place today have absolutely nothing to do with any potential loss of gravity – as NASA outlined in its statement – and will only bring wonder to those who are lucky enough to observe them in full.
Not everywhere in the world is lucky enough to spot all of these events, with only a handful of nations able to see the solar eclipse's full totality for little more than two minutes, yet it's definitely worth looking up whether (and subsequently how) you can see any of the three where you live.
Having them all fall on the exact same day is certainly an odd coincidence, but they aren't linked whatsoever and also by no means indicate that both an apocalypse is on the way, or that Earth will undergo a world-changing loss of gravity.