On December 21st, humanity witnessed a date that, against all odds, did not mark the end of our days. Despite the numerous apocalyptic theories fervently circulating, the day passed without notable incidents, leaving behind a heap of unfounded speculations and fears.
5 Apocalyptic Scenarios of 2012 Debunked by Science
Nibiru, Solar Storms, and More
In this context, a specialized site like Space.com sought the voice of reason at NASA, where experts debunked five catastrophic scenarios that, according to them, definitely would not take place in December of that year.
Planet Nibiru
Among the most widespread stories was that of Planet Nibiru, a supposed wandering celestial body that, led by the theory of a self-proclaimed expert, promised to unleash an unprecedented catastrophe upon Earth.
Originally, it was claimed that this event would occur in May 2003, but in the absence of disasters, the date was postponed to the fateful December 21, 2012.
NASA, for its part, assured with total certainty that Nibiru is nothing more than a phantom born from imagination and pseudoscience, completely discrediting its existence.
Super Solar Storm
Likewise, there was fear of a super solar storm, a phenomenon that, while occurring periodically, does not pose a catastrophic threat to our planet.
These storms, characterized by being deluges of solar energetic particles, can affect satellite systems and generate beautiful auroras, but nothing beyond that. The idea that a storm of apocalyptic magnitude would coincide with the mentioned date was unfounded, according to experts, thus clearing any doubts about possible devastating effects on Earth.
Cosmic Alignment
Concerns arose about a possible cosmic alignment that, according to some theories, could have significant effects on Earth.
The idea that the Sun would align with the center of the galaxy on December 21 fueled fears of terrestrial transformations. However, this phenomenon, far from being extraordinary, occurs regularly twice a year, and any crossing of the Sun through the galactic plane is a process that will take millions of years, given the considerable distance that separates us from said plane.
As for planetary alignment, another topic that sparked curiosity, it was clarified that such an event was not foreseen for the mentioned date. Moreover, even if such alignment occurred, experts assure that it would have no impact whatsoever on our planet, thus dispelling any fear of catastrophic consequences derived from these supposed cosmic alignments.
Earth’s Pole Shift
Another topic that captured the imagination of many was the dreaded shift of Earth’s poles, both magnetic and geographic.
Despite speculation, science offered a reassuring perspective: while the magnetic poles do experience reversals, these events span hundreds of thousands of years and are far from being sudden or catastrophic.
The stability provided by the Moon and the absence of evidence for an imminent pole reversal for December 2012 laid a solid foundation to dismiss this concern.
Meteorite Impact
Lastly, the fear of a cosmic impact, similar to the one that extinguished the dinosaurs, was another scenario considered.
Despite Earth’s inherent vulnerability to these phenomena, it was confirmed that there were no asteroids or comets on a collision course with our planet for the specified date.
This final debunking closed the circle of clarifications, underscoring that, far from facing an apocalyptic fate, December 21, 2012, would go down in history as just another day in our collective existence, free from the announced catastrophes.