URGENT UPDATE: Misinformation is spreading across social media platforms, claiming that gravity will cease to function for seven seconds on August 12. The rumor has gained traction on sites like Reddit, Facebook, and TikTok, but experts are stepping in to clarify the situation.
Joel Meyers, a theoretical cosmologist at Southern Methodist University, confirmed that these claims are unfounded. “It is very far outside the realm of possibility,” he stated, emphasizing that gravity is an inherent property of space-time and cannot simply turn off.
Many are concerned about the implications of such an event. If gravity were to stop, the initial impact would result in minor effects for most people. For instance, someone in New York City would only float approximately two feet upward during the seven seconds of weightlessness. “You wouldn’t hit your head on the ceiling; you’d just float,” Meyers explained.
Despite these reassurances, fears persist regarding the consequences of a temporary gravity loss. Meyers noted that while humans would survive the brief period without injury, the Earth itself would experience significant tectonic activity. “There would certainly be a lot of tectonic activity,” he warned, as the core and mantle of the Earth would react to the sudden change in gravitational pressure.
The chaos doesn’t stop there. When gravity returns, experts predict a surge of seismic activity leading to potential global earthquakes. “This would create an impulse that would spread throughout the world in ways that are really difficult to predict,” Meyers added, raising alarms about possible disasters following the rumored event.
For those planning to travel on August 12, Meyers advises against driving. The absence of gravity could cause cars to lose traction, leading to dangerous situations on the road. “You would effectively just be continuing in a straight line at whatever speed you were traveling just before gravity turned off,” he warned, predicting severe traffic disruptions.
In light of these outrageous claims, it’s crucial to debunk the myths surrounding the so-called “Great Gravity Switch-Off.” Meyers reassures the public that there’s no evidence supporting the theory, nor is there any secret NASA project responsible for such an event.
As the date approaches, many are left wondering how to prepare for a day that is unlikely to bring any disruption at all. For those seeking a unique survival plan, Meyers humorously suggested that remaining in a deep-sea submersible could mitigate atmospheric effects, though the need for such precautions is entirely unfounded.
The best advice? Stay informed and avoid spreading unverified claims. As Meyers puts it, “Gravity is not going anywhere.”
This developing story serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation online. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this situation.
