Posted: 3 Dec 12
12/03/2012 03:00 PM EST
Image description: A member of a Department of Health and Human Services National Veterinary Response Team examines a dog belonging to a Hurricane Sandy survivor in Rockaway, N.Y.
Photo by Eliud Echevarria, FEMA
12/03/2012 01:00 PM ESTFalse rumors about the end of the world in 2012 have been commonplace on the Internet for some time. Many of these rumors involve the Mayan calendar ending in 2012 (it won’t), a comet causing catastrophic effects (definitely not), a hidden planet sneaking up and colliding with us (no and no), and many others.
The world will not end on December 21, 2012, or any day in 2012.
Unfortunately, these rumors have many people frightened, especially children. NASA has received thousands of letters concerned about the end of the world. David Morrison, a planetary astronomer and senior scientist for NASA who answers questions from the public about astrobiology, says, “At least a once a week I get a message from a young person ― as young as 11 ― who says they are ill and/or contemplating suicide because of the coming doomsday.”
[THAT'S SAD AND SERIOUS]
According to NASA, the old mystery-planet-collision rumor year was 2003, but when 2004 arrived safely, the rumors changed to 2012. So what end-of-the-world year will the rumor mill make up next?
Videos from NASA debunking end-of-the-world rumors:
12/03/2012 10:00 AM ESTTen Tips for the Holidays:Our 10 holiday tips can help you celebrate the season. Find tips for spending within your budget and more.
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Our Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment