21. 12. 2012 – The end of the world?
I’m sure many of you saw the blockbuster film ‘2012’ and were as shocked and frightened as me at the prospect of the world ending! With all the flash flooding, storms and unpredictable north east weather in the last few months it has got me thinking of the ‘2012 phenomenon’. This predicts the world to end on 11:11 on December 21st 2012 (a date for your diary, keep it free!). So where did this ‘2012 phenomenon’ begin?
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Myth
An ancient Maya text was discovered from the jungles of Guatemala confirming the so-called “end date” of the Maya calendar. This is considered one of the most significant hieroglyphic finds in decades! The 1,300-year-old inscription contains only the second known reference to the “end date,” which hints at a “doomsday”.
Science views
Scientists believe the world will come to an end BUT in approximately 4 billion years time. This is when the sun has depleted its supply of hydrogen in its core, our nearest star will then swell like a balloon when it starts to burn heavier elements, swallowing the planets of the inner solar system…goodbye world!
Although astronomers also agree that on December 21, 2012, the Earth will be in exact alignment with the Sun and the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy. This is a galactic event that only takes place only once every 25,800 years. How will this affect us? Satellites could be affected for a couple of days and there will be an increased chance of earthquake, hurricane, and tsunami activity.
This Galactic Alignment is possibly what the ancient Maya were pointing to with the 2012 end-date of their Long Count calendar.
Marketing ploy?
Have science and history just been bent and twisted to suit supporters of this 2012 hoax? Scientists and archaeologists have tried to claim it is all a fake, but then are blamed for covering up some kind of convenient global conspiracy.
What do you think?
The most frightening thing I’ve found since I researched this article is the amount of websites that are based on this phenomenon…survival guides, communities to join, the list is endless! A lot of people believe in the apocalypse and have already started their campaign to try to combat it, and it seems no amount of science will convince them to change their minds. Proving fear can be a very powerful thing!
References
http://end-of-world.org/ http://news.discovery.com/