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Is December 21, 2012 the End of the World? Scholars, NASA Say No

Find out what the experts are saying about the Dec. 21, 2012, Doomsday prophesies, the end of the Mayan calendar and their potential impact on the Southland.

 

Don’t make any rash decisions: Experts say 12/21/12 is going to be just another typical winter solstice. x

Killer solar flares aren’t expected. Another planet isn’t on a collision course with ours. And the Mayan “long count calendar” ending on this date has no real significance – they had to end it somewhere!

What is All the Fuss About?

There are a number of theories and predictions that call for earth’s demise on Dec. 21, 2012. They include:

  • The ending of the Mayan calendar. The Mayans, according to a Sarasota Patch article, kept three separate calendars. The “long calendar” ends on Dec. 21. Some say this constitutes a Doomsday prediction; many do not.
  • Nostradamus. That famed French seer from the 1500s has been credited with predicting several end-of-the-world scenarios that some believe will take place in 2012. The website December212012.com points to the potential sparking of World War III on this date.
  • The collision of Earth and the supposed planet Nibiru. This supposed space catastrophe was initially predicted to strike in 2003. The planet in question was supposedly discovered by the Sumerians, according to NASA. When the world didn’t end in 2003, the date was moved to December 2012 for the deadly collision with earth.

What are the Experts Saying?

The intrigue created by multiple end-of-the-world predictions has made many scholars and even NASA stand up to make statements debunking the claims. From professors at Tampa Bay’s own New College to the scientific minds at NASA, they’re all saying the same thing: Go ahead and pay that mortgage bill and wrap those holiday presents.

In regard to the ending of the Mayan calendar, New College’s Gabrielle Vail says this, according to Sarasota Patch:

There are many misconceptions about the Mayans. If you look at their calendar alone, the Mayans kept three calendars. The one that has prompted the end of the world predictions was their "long count calendar" — a 5,125 year calendar. The calendar began August 11, 3114 B.C. and ends Dec. 21, 2012.

She said the Mayans wrote about dates beyond Dec. 21, 2012 "well, well into the future, trillions of years." They also wrote about dates before the 5,125 year calendar began.

Here’s what NASA has to say about all of the collective Doomsday prophesies:

The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.

What do you think? Is the world coming to an end in a few days, or are you making sure those bill payments go out on time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Related Topics: 12-21-12, 2012, Mayans, NASA, december 21, and end of the world

dylan wells

1:24 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

i do not think the world will end on the 21st.

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Douglas Kendrick

1:32 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

this date is only the beginning of the changes to come in 2013 for some this will be the beginning of a new awareness, & although this isn't quite the end date if we keep depleting all this planets resources with no regard to natures intrinsic laws a correction will come. It is time for universal LOVE !!!! The hate & fear tatics must stop

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Emily rose tobin

1:46 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

ok every one say's its not gunna end i dont think it will but! what is happenning on this date? something gotta happen right also I read that the single thing in space is ment to be geting fixed so it is faster and better is that true?? and we have no single for 24 hours if that is true can the world just end! i cant live without wifi and mm makeing phone calls and texting IS ALL I DO ! so please just kill me if i have to leave without wifi for 24 hours *crys* makes me cry just thinking bout it btw im only 12 sooo soz if there is spelling mixtakes

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austinnix

2:16 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

i thank that if you can some how turne it around by useing some thing like that glass that people say that the army has ues that as a shild it is might act like a second lare that might work yhis is austinnix from high school

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kate

2:56 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

All good points but...I'm still stocking up on water just in case those "severed heads rolling downt he pyramids to appease the gods" mayans were right. Just good practice.

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Esme de Cadenet

3:55 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The world isn't going to end, I've hear this loads!

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kris

4:25 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The worl isnt going to end...only GOD knows when!!!!

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mariella

7:35 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Look at the sky all day and pray nothing falls out of space. If God decides to end this crazy world let it be. If we live through the big day then thank God for giving us another beautiful day and keep living your everyday life. This is just another Chicken Licken story, my friends
may the world live forever!!!
There is nothing to fear except fear itself."

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tony

5:28 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

mariella sleep well... tomorrow is another day for work and the bills to pay,, be happy merry christmas... nothing to worry about at all... tony uk england,,x

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Reba

12:34 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

Just pray that the world is not going to end

Tammi

8:45 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

All I can say is I can't sleep from Thinking about it! I suffer from panic attacks and this doesn't help me in the slightest! I need proof that it's not happening!!!

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tony

5:15 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

sleep well chicken,, for in the morning you still have to get up for school or work.. just wake up and smile and take it as a blessing..,, live your life to your full and dont let silly things play on your mind,, be confident and strong and belive you are the best at everything you try,, if you fail at least you have tried when others havnt, xx

ashley maitland

9:42 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I agree with Tammi. I am very gullible and the closer we get to Friday, the worse my panic attacks become. All I can think is that y2k was HUGE just like this...annnnnd were still here and didn't have the big black out as predicted. I've watched tons of shows on 12/21/12. The Mayans were extremely twisted. I try to have faith in what the Bible says but sometimes I allow all this crap in my head. I really need a fast forward button. I need to know what, if anything, is about to go down! My 7 yr old heard about this last week. I'm ready for this knot in my belly to go away..

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tony

5:18 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Ash be strong,, nothing is going to happen.. you will be here next year and many years to follow.. sleep well and get the rest you deserve,, take deep breaths and allow yourself to sleep. in the morning its just another day.. school to go to or work to pay the bills,,, happy christmas have a good one,, tony from the uk england

wladinir luz junior

10:33 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The "apocalypse" already happened long ago in the poor regions of our world, especially in Africa and is always happen in less developed countries. Famine, war, poverty and natural disasters getting worse all this is a reality of everyday life for many people. We do not need calendars "ancient cultures" to "predict" anything. We need only open our window and watch. We have almost all, a wonderful new year, as always, in any calendar and our planet too, as in the last 4 billion years!
Tip to delay the end of the world: do not forget to help the less fortunate (human first and foremost but also animals and plants)
Happy 2013!

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shubham pal

11:21 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

tnsn mat lo mauj kro abhi 2days hai

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Sharon Auroli Uises

12:45 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

God knows when the world is gonna end... did the first people know abt world endings an thinks i dont think so. if it ends its works of God but not this Friday God would end it with alot of signs surrounding us. An giving us clues

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L. Cepeda

1:22 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I agree, only God knows when the world is going to end. Preparing by storing food and water is not going to save us for very long. Besides, why would anyone want to survive just to fight others for food and water. Things are bad enough now with some people acting like savages, can you imagine what they would do to survive.

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marlene mejias

1:48 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I'm freaking out because I'm having a newborn and I hope it doesn't but the only 1 that knows the truth is the Lord..... I have a 4 year old and I don't want my 4 year old to pay for my mistakes so the world does and I want my kids to go to heaven if I don't make it... I cani't sleep I have all these thoughts in my head..its crazy bro....

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tony

5:21 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

marlene.. you and your family will be fine,, i can assure you 1000%.. sleep well and enjoy your life with your children and watch them grow,, happy new year.. tony from uk england

adjei

1:53 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

4get it this. From time in memorial, human beings hv being move by fear. This is not the first prediction. A lot hv come before n yet we are still here tormenting ourselves with a prediction from people who believed the a earth was the of a gaint aligator. God lives, no shaken

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Aswin.S

4:46 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

If the world is going to end on 2012 December 21 I am going to buy a hot dog

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Selva

5:18 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

sure the world is going to end on 21-12-2012... the world is going to end now.. 3....2....1.... shoot.... Am waiting...

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Mubarak

6:16 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

ok world is going to end - you do one think please transfer whatever you have like property & bank balance transfer to my name - because you going to die
... if this deal is ok replay to me same...

Hama

5:42 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

LOllll that is big lie ,, coz just My God knows when it will happen or end of world ,, I didn't bleive that and All muslim don't think .

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chocolate

8:11 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I am scared too i have panic attacks and i can t sleep i just hope everything will b ok i have a daughter who two i want to c her grow up and marry my partner .

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tony

5:23 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

dont worry everything will be fine,,, its all total rubbish i can assure you,, tony from uk england het some sleep and enjoy tomorrow with your kids,xx

nekas

8:54 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I have dificulties in sleeping coz of this shit im worring every single day and it gets wors as days go pass and we get closer then i look at my 2 year old and i panic even worse coz i dont want him to suffer its so bad that it even makes me cry coz i get fustrated i do seriously try to think its goin to be nothing but the worse keeps poppin up.
Hopefullh we all gona be here on the 24th .merry xmas and a happy new year evryone

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tony

5:24 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

everything will be fine,,, sleep well nekas... you will have many christmases to follow after this one and you will see your childrens children,, xx merry christmas,, from tony uk england

diana akers

9:19 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Only god knows but friday is coming in two days just pray it ok

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mark

12:09 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

If the world is going to end then you would now you see it coming you see it now in the sky
It be all over the news as things don't keep secret for long and there be a lot of signs but if it did you won't know hoppfully god bless us

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Concerned Oak Lawn Homeowner

12:12 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

THINK OF IT THIS WAY, IF THE WORLD ENDS AND WE ALL DIE ON THE SAME DAY, WE'LL ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN IN HEAVEN WITH ETERNAL LIFE. C'MON GUYS, YOU CAN'T CHANGE DESTINY. IF WE COULD, ALL THOSE LIVES WOULND'T HAVE BEEN LOST LAST WEEK. CALM DOWN, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS BECAUSE WE NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO BE OUR TIME.

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Katrina martinez

4:02 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Am a bit scared as well I've got 2 daughters and want to see growing up I don't think the world is going to end

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tony

5:26 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

katrina... be happy,, nothing is going to happen... get some sleep kid... you and your daugters will be fine,, have a great christmas,, from tony and family uk england..:)

tony

5:31 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

to all on here reading this stuff about the end of the world.. sleep well a theres nothing to worry about have a great christmas to you all from tony in the uk england,, happy new year folks,,xxx from me and my kids and giggs the dog,x

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Stones

7:09 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Read Rich Roeper's column from the other day in the Sun-Times on this topic. According to his report, the 21st is only significant because it's the start of a new period. Kind of like a century on our calendar. Also, the Mayan calendar extends for another 80 octillion years for what that's worth.

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Semir

8:50 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Every beginning has an end.
But every and has a new begining too.
Do not fear that date, do not fear that day, do not fear anything.
Fear God(Allah) he is the one that knows the ending, the date and the day.
it is one thing left even if it is the end..to pray to GOD(Allah), for a better tomorrow, for a better future, for a better planet.
God bless you all.
Allah knows best.

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Malik carson

9:02 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WE R NOT GOIN TO DIE ONLY GOD KNOWS JUS PRAY AND HAVE FAITH MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY1 RIP SANDY HOOK 20 6

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Alex

10:11 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

If the world does end I'm spending my last day around the person I love. Good luck everybody let's hope for the best. :/

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Laura

12:29 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

I am so stressed over it !!!!! Im a believer and non believer. I have a son who is going to turn one next month but the thought of the world ending makes me sad and stressed because I don't wanna die in a painful way. And the thought of my son dieing kills me inside because I love him to death. . I'm only 19 and I feel like I haven't accomplished my goals in life! I pray nothing happens but I'm 50/50 .Believe it because due to the leap years and junk it would a happen already. And predictions say it going to happen but volcanic eruptions where supposed to happen ready but nothing happen yet. And although or world is comeing to an end I still dont think where quite there yet... maybe in years to come so idk I'm nervous though

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Oluwadamilola

12:38 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

Bible doesnt says the end of the world that way, rapture(christ 2nd coming) first and other things follow. He knows the begining and the end. Let your mind be at rest people, the world aint gonna end that way. Repent of your evil ways and give all to christ in order to be qualified for the rapture. Rapture is the only event worth worrying about and not any planet colliding with the earth... Merry xmas in advance

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Dixie Cannon

1:12 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

People are so much like sheep - tell them the end is near and they all panic. Use your minds please, the Mayans just ran out of space - DUH. So calm down and breathe.

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veeje

2:45 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012

do not worry, till you are there in the land almighty brahamma vishnu maheswara will safe guard you, worship him all worries will fly away. do bhajans forget ur worries of world ending.

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Carri

1:05 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

@Tony, you're a DEAR! So kind of you to tell people they are going to be okay. I don't believe it is the end. But it is human nature to doubt your instincts and worry anyway isn't it? lol Some just can't help it. I think it makes it worse when we have kids to worry about. When I think of the end I fear for my babies...not myself. I am a wife and mom of 2. A boy 14 in high school and a little girl 6 in first grade. I think my motherly instinct is what is driving me to worry. Your kind messages to everyone (even though they were not for me) just reading them made me feel better. People like you, (your kindness) is the reason God will keep this world thriving and whole for many years to come. There IS still good in this world. Thank you ;)

Carri~ From the USA :)

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Cristine

1:28 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Mayans didn't account for leap years so technically it was supposed to end years ago. But who knows! Everyone should stay in their homes still just because there will be people running around going nuts and doing stupid things, all because they think the worlds going to end so they can get away with crime.

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liyah

2:39 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

to me i dont think that the world is goin to end because in the bible god said no ones knows the day or time and for the people who is playing with god whats goes around comes around back to you and hunt you down so if you know what i know you would pray dont play with god. and answer this big thing do you believe in the mayan or god first who made earth who made floods firers so tell me what you do to make of the earth nothing yes ima tell you kind of scary but once when i go to sleep i am going to sleep like a baby -and for thoses who dont believe in god i feel bad for you but dont worry becasue this is not the first time that they have said it before and it is not real becasue only gods know so stop ackin stupid live your life and dont give away your home or money becacues i pray we do if we live pass that day which is tommrow at the end of the day you willbe hurting by believing in something that is not really but the second coming is coming but what the4 mayan people say dont py them no attention love you and keep your head up high

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liyah

2:44 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

dont pay the mayan people on attention becasue when god say the world is coming to a end its going to but as of 4 now it remains in the bible that no one knows the date or timeand this is not the first time that they have said this yes the coming is coming but not the day that the mayan say what they think it is people just needs to be quite and just live their life what goes arond who is spreading rumors comes back and bite you in the butt so just pray and believe

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skyler

11:01 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

skyler.......
im so scared, i have a 10 mth old daughter and i cry every night thinking of it, well its 12.21.2012 now so what time is it sopposed to end? its 12am right now im still here but shaking, i have a good life and love my family, so please tell me whats going on, i love you jesus you are my savior!!

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skyler

11:02 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012

please help me its 12.21.12 am i gonna die? are we all gonna die

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Cristine

1:18 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

No dude. The world was supposed to end at 3:11 this morning. And it didn't. UNLESS: it did end but our minds got erased and then we were all transported to a twin planet and everything is exactly the same so no one thinks it ended when it did. Which is a likely theory.

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Hoghead

1:33 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

OK-we're still here
I was waiting on paying my bills but now I have to.....

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