Viral misinformation regarding Earth's gravity

Viral social media rumors have circulated claiming that Earth’s gravity will disappear for seven seconds on August 12, 2026, potentially causing catastrophic destruction and millions of deaths. These claims, which gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X, frequently cite a supposed secret initiative known as ‘Project Anchor.’

NASA has officially refuted these claims, stating there is no scientific evidence to support the possibility of a temporary loss of gravity. Officials explained that gravity is a function of Earth’s mass and that for gravity to vanish, the planet’s entire mass—including its core, mantle, crust, and atmosphere—would have to disappear instantly, which is physically impossible. NASA has further confirmed there is no evidence of a ‘Project Anchor’ or any such gravitational anomaly.

Newer iterations of the disinformation suggest the anomaly would be caused by colliding black holes. However, experts have clarified that while gravitational waves from cosmic events are real, they are “far too subtle to be felt by humans.”

Further clarification noted that while a total solar eclipse will occur on August 12 over regions including Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and Portugal, the event does not pose a gravitational threat. Scientists and fact-checking organizations have classified the rumors as disinformation.