Fact Check: Will Earth Really Lose Gravity for 7 Seconds on August 12, 2026?

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or fringe conspiracy forums, you may have seen a shocking claim: on August 12, 2026, Earth will experience “zero gravity” for seven seconds.

According to viral posts, people will float like astronauts, cars will lift off roads, and chaos will briefly take over the planet—supposedly caused by a rare planetary alignment.

Before you start planning how to strap yourself to your bed, let’s examine the actual science behind this claim. Is there any truth to it, or is it just another internet hoax?

Diagram showing how Earth’s gravity keeps the Moon in orbit

How gravity keeps the Moon bound to Earth.image-pride

Where Did the “Zero Gravity Day” Claim Come From?

This rumor is not new. It resurfaces online every few years with a new date attached.

The 1976 Origin

The story traces back to 1976, when British astronomer Patrick Moore jokingly claimed during a BBC radio broadcast that a rare alignment of Jupiter and Pluto would temporarily reduce Earth’s gravity. The segment was meant as an April Fool’s prank, yet several listeners later called in claiming they had “felt” the effect.

The 2026 Twist

The modern version updates the claim with a specific date: August 12, 2026. This date is frequently chosen because a total solar eclipse will occur that day over parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and the Arctic.

Important clarification:

👉 Solar eclipses have absolutely no effect on gravity.

The Moon’s mass and distance from Earth remain unchanged during an eclipse.

Can Earth Actually Lose Gravity?

Short answer: No.

Gravity is not a switch that can be turned off. It is a fundamental force created by mass. As long as Earth exists and retains its mass—approximately 5.97 × 10²⁴ kilograms—it will exert gravity.

To lose gravity for even a fraction of a second, Earth would need to instantly lose its mass or cease to exist, which is physically impossible.

Why Planetary Alignment Doesn’t Matter

Supporters of this rumor often argue that other planets will “pull” objects away from Earth during alignment.

While planets like Jupiter do exert gravitational forces, their effect on Earth is microscopic.

For perspective:

The Moon, which is far closer, causes ocean tides.

Even when the Moon is directly overhead, you do not float.

The combined gravitational pull of all planets during alignment is millions of times weaker than Earth’s own gravity.

In everyday terms, the pull from Jupiter is weaker than the magnet holding notes to your refrigerator.

Earth seen from space with atmosphere and gravity holding it together

image-britannica

What Do Scientists Say?

The scientific consensus is clear and unanimous.

According to explanations from NASA, ESA, and academic astrophysics departments:

“Gravity is a result of spacetime curvature caused by mass. For Earth to lose gravity even briefly, the planet would need to lose its mass instantly. No known physical process allows gravity to ‘turn off’ locally or temporarily.”

Experts also note something often overlooked:

Earth rotates at roughly 1,000 miles per hour at the equator. If gravity disappeared for seven seconds, the atmosphere, oceans, and everything not anchored to bedrock would continue moving in straight lines—effectively causing planetary-scale destruction, not gentle floating.