A viral conspiracy theory claiming that Earth will experience a complete loss of gravity on August 12, 2026, has sparked widespread panic across social media. The theory suggests that during a seven-second period, millions of people could face fatal consequences as they would be unable to remain anchored to the ground. Proponents of the theory allege that this event is linked to a NASA file known as “Project Anchor,” purportedly dated November 2024.
Social media platforms, including Instagram and X, have seen a surge in posts warning of the impending phenomenon. One account advocating this theory claimed, “On August 12, 2026, the world will lose gravity for seven seconds. NASA knows. They’re preparing but won’t tell us why.” The prediction has generated alarming estimates that such an event could lead to as many as 60 million deaths.
In response to the escalating speculation, NASA stepped in to clarify the situation. The agency emphasized that the notion of Earth losing gravity is scientifically impossible. According to a statement provided to the fact-checking platform Snopes, a representative explained, “The Earth will not lose gravity on August 12, 2026. Earth’s gravity, or total gravitational force, is determined by its mass.”
The representative further elaborated that any scenario involving the loss of gravity would necessitate a substantial alteration to the planet’s mass. This encompasses the mass of Earth’s core, mantle, crust, oceans, and atmosphere. NASA’s intervention aims to dispel the unfounded fears circulating online and remind the public of the scientific principles governing gravity.
As this conspiracy theory gains traction, it marks yet another instance of alarming predictions for the year 2026. Historically, individuals have sought insights from figures like Nostradamus to interpret what the future might hold. Despite a lack of direct predictions for this specific year, Nostradamus’ writings have been scrutinized for potential clues.
Among the passages often cited is the 26th verse of Century I, which suggests that “a great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt.” This phrase has incited speculation about possible political assassinations or military actions. Another quatrain, quatrain VII, implies a significant conflict, with some interpreting it as a reference to tensions in the South China Sea.
While the surge of conspiracy theories presents a challenge, NASA’s timely response serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on verified scientific information. As misinformation continues to proliferate in the digital age, the need for critical thinking and fact-checking remains paramount.
