Will the world end on December 21, 2012?
Dec. 21, 2012, won't be the end of the world as we know. It will,
however, be another winter solstice.
Much like Y2K, 2012 has been analyzed and the science of the end of the
Earth thoroughly studied. Contrary to some of the common beliefs out
there, the science behind the end of the world quickly unravels when
pinned down to the 2012 timeline. Below, NASA Scientists answer several
questions that we're frequently asked regarding 2012.
The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs
according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on
December 21, 2012. This date is regarded as the end-date of
a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Various
astronomical alignments and numerological formulae related to this date
have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been
accepted by mainstream scholarship.
A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the
start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive
physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the
beginning of a new era. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the
end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the
end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, or
Earth's collision with a black hole, passing asteroid or a planet called
"Nibiru".
Scholars from various disciplines have dismissed the idea of such
cataclysmic events occurring in 2012. Professional Mayanist scholars
state that predictions of impending doom are not found in any of the
extant classic Maya accounts, and that the idea that the Long Count
calendar "ends" in 2012 misrepresents Maya history and culture.
Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the proposed events as
pseudoscience, stating that they are contradicted by simple astronomical
observations.
however, be another winter solstice.
Much like Y2K, 2012 has been analyzed and the science of the end of the
Earth thoroughly studied. Contrary to some of the common beliefs out
there, the science behind the end of the world quickly unravels when
pinned down to the 2012 timeline. Below, NASA Scientists answer several
questions that we're frequently asked regarding 2012.
The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs
according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on
December 21, 2012. This date is regarded as the end-date of
a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Various
astronomical alignments and numerological formulae related to this date
have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been
accepted by mainstream scholarship.
A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the
start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive
physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the
beginning of a new era. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the
end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the
end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, or
Earth's collision with a black hole, passing asteroid or a planet called
"Nibiru".
Scholars from various disciplines have dismissed the idea of such
cataclysmic events occurring in 2012. Professional Mayanist scholars
state that predictions of impending doom are not found in any of the
extant classic Maya accounts, and that the idea that the Long Count
calendar "ends" in 2012 misrepresents Maya history and culture.
Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the proposed events as
pseudoscience, stating that they are contradicted by simple astronomical
observations.
Some news from Nasa
Question (Q): Are there any threats to the Earth in 2012? Many Internet
websites say the world will end in December 2012.
Answer (A): Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012.
Our planet has been getting along
just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists
worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.
websites say the world will end in December 2012.
Answer (A): Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012.
Our planet has been getting along
just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists
worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.
Q: What is the origin of the prediction that the world will end in 2012?
A: The story started with claims that Nibiru, a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth. This catastrophe was initially predicted for May 2003, but when nothing happened the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012. Then these two fables were linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012 -- hence the predicted doomsday date of December 21, 2012.
Q: Does the Mayan calendar end in December 2012?
A: Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012. This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period but then -- just as your calendar begins again on January 1 -- another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar.
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