Community Corner

NASA Releases 'Why the World Didn't End Yesterday' Video

Intended as a video to be aired on Dec. 22, NASA reassures the public that life will continue on after the so-called Mayan apocalypse.

In another attempt to debunk widespread belief that the world is coming to an end on Dec. 21, 2012, NASA has released a video intended to be aired on Dec. 22 confirming that life on earth continues on.

The four-minute video titled "Why the World Didn't End Yesterday," labels the Dec. 21 Mayan apocalypse as a hoax and explains how the rumors began. 

Earlier this month, the U.S. Government responded to apocalyptic fears by posting a blog on the USA.gov website to help dispel the rumors. The post touches on how many have been left frightened, especially children, some of whom have contemplated committing suicide because of the doomsday predictions. 

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NASA has also published a section on its site that provides answers for commonly asked questions and concerns about the rumored end of the world. 

"The world will not end in 2012," NASA writes. "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."

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For those who've wondered about the Mayan calendars abrupt end, NASA addresses that, too.

"Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012," NASA writes. "This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period but then -- just as your calendar begins again on January 1 -- another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here