URGENT UPDATE: A viral rumor claiming that gravity will cease to function for seven seconds on August 12 has taken social media by storm, but experts are quickly debunking this alarming myth. The misinformation, circulating on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and TikTok, raises unnecessary fears about catastrophic consequences.
Theoretical cosmologist Joel Meyers from Southern Methodist University has confirmed that the idea of a “Great Gravity Switch-Off” is entirely unfounded. “It is very far outside the realm of possibility,” Meyers stated. This absurd prediction has generated widespread panic, but the reality is far less dramatic and certainly less dangerous.
Meyers explains that if gravity were to hypothetically stop for just seven seconds, the immediate effects would be negligible for most people. For instance, individuals in New York City would only drift upward by about two feet before gravity resumed. “You wouldn’t rise to 15–20 meters; you would just float,” he added.
The fears surrounding bodily harm and atmospheric loss are also unfounded. “Gravity itself doesn’t play a role in holding us together,” Meyers reassured, clarifying that electromagnetic forces are responsible for bodily integrity. Concerns about air being ejected into space are exaggerated. While decompression would occur, it would take longer than just a few seconds for any significant atmospheric loss.
However, the repercussions of sudden gravity loss could be felt on a geological scale. Meyers warns that the absence of gravity would lead to increased tectonic activity, potentially triggering earthquakes as the Earth readjusts when gravity returns. “There would certainly be a lot of tectonic activity,” he cautioned.
For those planning to travel on August 12, Meyers advises against driving. Vehicles would lose traction and steerability, leading to chaotic traffic conditions. Airplanes and submarines, however, remain safe options as they are designed to withstand such changes.
As for personal safety plans, one reporter humorously suggested riding out the hypothetical gravity loss in a deep-sea submersible. This approach would avoid the chaos above ground while others deal with potential global earthquakes and tidal waves.
Despite the outrageous claims circulating online, there is no secret NASA operation titled “Project Anchor” that could turn off gravity. Meyers concludes, “Gravity is an inherent property of space-time,” effectively putting an end to one of the year’s most outlandish conspiracy theories.
In summary, the upcoming August 12 date is unlikely to bring any changes to gravity, and the internet’s panic-driven narrative is based on fiction rather than fact. As we approach this date, it’s crucial to rely on scientific expertise rather than sensationalized rumors.
