By Haifa Chairunisa
NASA has dismissed viral claims suggesting that Earth will temporarily lose gravity for seven seconds on August 12, 2026, calling the allegation scientifically impossible. The rumor, which has circulated widely on Instagram and X, has fueled fears that millions could die after being lifted off the ground and crashing back down.
The claim originated from an Instagram user posting under the handle @mr_danya_of, who alleged that NASA was aware of an impending loss of gravity but was withholding information from the public.
As the theory gained traction online, NASA addressed the claim in a statement to fact-checking outlet Snopes, explaining that Earth’s gravitational force is determined by its mass and cannot suddenly disappear.
A NASA spokesperson emphasized that Earth would only lose gravity if its total mass—including the core, mantle, crust, oceans, and atmosphere—were to change, a scenario scientists say is not possible.
The spread of the rumor comes amid a pattern of dire predictions linked to the year 2026. According to The Mirror, similar claims have previously attempted to draw connections to the writings of 16th-century philosopher Nostradamus.
Experts note that Nostradamus did not make any specific predictions for 2026. However, some interpretations of his texts have fueled speculation, including a verse referring to a “great man” being struck by lightning, which some have interpreted as a sign of political upheaval or assassination.
Another passage mentioning a major war involving ships has been cited by commentators as a possible reference to modern geopolitical tensions, including in the South China Sea. Analysts stress that such interpretations remain speculative and unsupported by evidence.
NASA reiterated that there is no scientific basis for claims that Earth’s gravity will weaken or disappear in 2026, urging the public to rely on verified scientific sources rather than viral misinformation.
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