A viral social media video claims Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds on August 12, 2026, citing a secret NASA project. Scientists say the claim is false.
A TikTok video spreading rapidly online alleges that Earth will briefly lose gravity next year, claiming NASA is secretly preparing through a multi-billion-dollar initiative called “Project Anchor.” The post includes a specific date and budget, which helped it gain traction across platforms like X and Instagram.
NASA has denied the claims, explaining that Earth’s gravity depends on its mass and cannot simply disappear. Experts confirm the only astronomical event on August 12, 2026, is a total solar eclipse visible from parts of Europe and the Arctic — an event with no effect on gravity.
Fact-checkers say the viral video highlights the speed at which misinformation can spread online, emphasizing the importance of verifying scientific claims.
Newswest 9 Sydnee Jolivette will update this story.