(SIOUX CITY, IA) You've probably been hearing about it for years and it's even been the plot of several books and Hollywood movies. The so-called "end of the world" is predicted to happen tomorrow, December 21, 2012. But is there really anything to worry about?
It's quite the tale and comments about the end of the world have even been swirling around on Facebook. But for some people, this prediction really has them scared, at least that's what NASA says. That's why the administration released a Q & A on its website, to clear up any confusion.
"NASA has received, thousands of emails and calls from members of the public who are concerned. Especially young people. So it seems only right that NASA scientists should help to dispel these rumors of doomsday," says Dr. David Morrison, Senior Scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center.
Although there's a lot of speculation behind what will happen at "end of the world", one popular theory is the Mayan Calendar coming to an end after 5,125 years.
"That's simply not true, that's a modern rumor that has nothing to do with the real Maya," says Dr. Morrison.
NASA says December 21, 2012 is simply the end of the Mayan Long Count period, but just as your calendar begins on January 1st, another long-count period begins for the Mayan Calendar.
Adam Frisch agrees with NASA.
"It's a huge long cycle, they have a series of cycles, the Mayans helped invent the 0 for example, so they were a very mathematical race, and so, they just imbedded cycles within cycles, and this is just the end of a long one, but its has no significance other than that I'm sure," says Adam Frisch, who lives in Siouxland.
Still, that didn't stop thousands of spiritual adventurers and curiosity seekers from heading to the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, Mexico.
But Hedi Lieber says, the apocalypse isn't something that can be predicted.
"I'm a Christian and I believe that Christ is coming, and they say, throughout the Bible that you're not going to be able to expect it, so that's kind of what I go with, so I don't put much thought into anything else," says Lieber, who lives in Siouxland.
NASA also debunked a few other theories, like the earth being hit by a meteor, or another planet, or the earth experiencing a "total blackout" for three days.
Another theory is partially true, the earth does align with the Sun and the Milky Way galaxy in December, but scientists say it's an annual event with no consequences. So if the world doesn't end tomorrow, You'll have time to read up on all of this yourself.
Just head to NASA's website: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2012.html
HLeigh@siouxlandnews.com
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