NASA speaks out on theory Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds on August 12

NASA has finally responded to an alarming theory currently circulating the internet that suggests Earth will lose all gravity for just seven seconds later this year, producing devastating consequences.

There are countless theories and conspiracies spread across the internet and social media that experts don't even concern themselves to respond to, yet one particular piece of speculation has gained enough traction to justify a response from NASA.

Earth, as you'll hopefully be aware, is entirely dependent on gravity remaining in its current state, as even the slightest fluctuation would cause significant and unprecedented issues with how the world works.

That's why the prospect of Earth losing gravity for all of seven seconds would be so devastating, as while that doesn't seem like a long time in the grand scheme of things, it's more than enough to make an impact.

Some on social media have speculated that Earth could briefly lose gravity, causing people to fall out of the sky (Getty Stock)

Key to this theory that's growing in popularity is the notion that over '40 million deaths' would be caused from falls, which makes sense if you think about how many people would be suspended in the air by the loss of gravity, only to come crashing back to down to the ground.

As shared by UNILAD, 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.

Now, the space agency has been forced to respond after growing concern, issuing a statement in an attempt to quell both fear and anger.

NASA has thankfully clarified that this theory isn't correctly, and no such change in Earth's gravity will occur (Getty Stock)

Speaking to Snopes, NASA outlined: "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 so-called end of the world is now thankfully not happening in eight months' time.

Plenty of people on Reddit said the same before NASA officially revealed its statement though, with one noting that it "makes zero sense. Not possible. Matter/energy generates gravity per general relativity which is perhaps the most thoroughly tested bit of physical theory ever."

Another speculated that it is likely "a mix up of another fact that if the Sun disappeared, it would take around 8 minutes for us to notice, which is the time it takes for gravity to spread and the effect to occur for us even if the Sun is already gone."