NASA Clarifies Earth Gravity Myths Amidst Social Media Rumors

NASA has once again addressed speculation that Earth might temporarily lose gravity. This claim, circulated widely on social media, connects to an alleged NASA project called ‘Project Anchor.’

Karen Fox, a senior science communicator at NASA, explained to Newsweek that this conspiracy theory is a recurring issue. She reaffirmed that the Earth would not lose gravity on Wednesday. Gravity on Earth results from its mass, which consists of its core, mantle, crust, oceans, and atmosphere. Any loss of mass would be required for gravity to disappear.

Previous claims that NASA projects may lead to a ‘gravitational anomaly’ have circulated before, often coinciding with significant dates. Notably, as August 12 approached, these claims gained traction yet again on social media platforms.

Snopes, a fact-checking entity, investigated the ‘Project Anchor’ rumor. This rumor alleged that a secret document from NASA had leaked, indicating Earth might lose gravity momentarily on August 12, leading to disaster. Snopes rated this claim as false, finding no evidence of any such NASA document.

This rumor spread through copied social media posts, including an Instagram video suggesting that NASA was concealing preparations for a seven-second gravity disruption. These posts mentioned an exaggerated budget and severe predictions of casualties, alongside assertions of officials taking shelter.

In contrast, on today’s date, an astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, will occur. The eclipse’s path includes Greenland, Iceland, parts of Russia, Spain, and Portugal. Areas in the Northern Hemisphere, such as most of Canada, parts of the northern U.S., and Europe, will observe a partial eclipse.

NASA clarified that a total solar eclipse does not affect Earth’s gravity. While the gravitational effects of the Sun and Moon on tides are known and expected, they do not alter Earth’s overall gravity.