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NASA Denies 2012 Apocalypse

Astronomer criticizes list of doomsday 'Mayan' predictions

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 11, 2011 3:11 PM CST
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(Newser) – The Earth will not be destroyed or burned or gravitationally warped on Dec. 12, 2012, according to a NASA scientist, Space.com reports. Despite claims that the Mayan calendar predicts our planetary demise next year, astronomer Don Yeomans says we can "sleep well on Dec. 21 of next year." Is that code for sleeping with the fishes? Apparently not, as Yeomans goes down the list of proposed apocalypses for next December:

  • Planet Nibiru. Yes, a UFO aficionado who claims to be communicating with aliens says that this mystery planet will destroy Earth next year. "There's no evidence whatsoever that Nibiru exists. ... It can't hide behind the sun forever, and we would've seen it years ago," Yeomans says.
  • Gravitational Warp. Some say that planets lining up next December will harm Earth grievously. Only problem, says Yeomans: "There is no planetary alignment on Dec. 21, 2012."
  • Mayan Calendar. Sure, their long-count calendar ends next December—but that's like our century ending. Another one inevitably follows. "The Maya never predicted the end of the world occurred at that time," Yeomans says.
Click to see him criticize other apocalyptic predictions, and explain why "scientists really have their work cut out for them."

Streaks of fire head directly for Earth ... in someone's apocalyptic fantasy.
Streaks of fire head directly for Earth ... in someone's apocalyptic fantasy.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 21 comments
StationaryMan
Dec 12, 2011 8:25 AM CST
Of course they're denying it, no one will be around on 12/22/12 to call them liars.
toeser
Dec 12, 2011 7:57 AM CST
I have more fears about November 6, 2012.
sroro
Dec 12, 2011 3:07 AM CST
As for the Mayas not even their modern relatives believe 2012 is the end. Sure, the 13th baktun is a rare occasion but it isn't the end (its a time of celebration since 13 is sacred and all).

 
NASA • apocalypse • Mayans • Mayan calendar

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