A conspiracy theory claiming that Earth will experience a complete loss of gravity on August 12, 2026, has been widely circulated on social media, alarming many. Proponents of this theory assert that there will be a seven-second period during which gravity will cease to exist, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences and millions of fatalities. These claims reference a supposed NASA file titled Project Anchor, allegedly dating back to November 2024.
The narrative has gained traction on platforms such as Instagram and X, where users have shared dire predictions, including a statement from an Instagram account linked to the theory that asserted, “NASA knows. They’re preparing but won’t tell us why.” Supporters of the claim have suggested that this phenomenon could result in around 60 million deaths as individuals are expected to fall uncontrollably.
In response to the viral speculation, NASA intervened to clarify the situation, emphasizing that the idea of Earth losing its gravitational force is scientifically impossible. A spokesperson from the agency stated, “The Earth will not lose gravity on August 12, 2026. Earth’s gravity, or total gravitational force, is determined by its mass.” The representative explained that a loss of gravity would require a significant alteration to the planet’s mass, which is inherently stable.
NASA Addresses Misinformation
NASA’s response was directed towards fact-checking platforms, such as Snopes, where the agency reiterated the fundamental principles of physics that govern gravitational forces. The representative elaborated, “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.” This scientific clarification aimed to dispel fears and prevent further misinformation from spreading online.
The incident reflects a broader trend of alarming predictions for the year 2026. Many individuals are turning to historical figures like Nostradamus for insights into the future. While some enthusiasts claim that Nostradamus predicted significant events for this year, including potential upheaval and violence, these interpretations are often speculative and lack concrete evidence.
According to the New York Post, Nostradamus did not make any specific forecasts for 2026. Nonetheless, some believe that a line from his first-century verses hints at a “great man” being struck down, which has led to conjecture about possible political assassinations or military coups. Additionally, quatrain VII has been interpreted by some as a reference to military conflict in the South China Sea, specifically concerning activities from China, yet these assertions remain unverified.
The ongoing spread of these conspiracy theories highlights the need for critical thinking and verification of information in the age of digital media. As misinformation can lead to widespread panic, the importance of credible sources, like NASA, cannot be overstated in providing accurate scientific information to counteract false claims.
