Nibiru cataclysm

This article is about the theory itself, for the planet, see Nibiru

The planet in the artist's vision if the planet were a gas planet.

The Nibiru cataclysm is a conspiracy theory predicting that a large planetary object, often referred to as "Nibiru" or "Planet X," will collide with or closely pass by Earth, causing widespread destruction. Despite being thoroughly debunked by scientists and dismissed by professional astronomers, the theory has persisted in popular culture and internet lore, often resurging with new claims tied to specific dates or astronomical events.

Origins of the Theory

The concept of Nibiru can be traced back to the writings of Zecharia Sitchin, a Russian-American author who published a series of books in the 1970s and 1980s. In his work, Sitchin interpreted ancient Mesopotamian texts to suggest that a hypothetical planet called Nibiru played a significant role in the mythology of the Sumerians. He claimed that Nibiru followed a long, elliptical orbit around the Sun and was inhabited by a race of extraterrestrial beings known as the Anunnaki, who visited Earth in ancient times.

While Sitchin's interpretations were not intended as a doomsday prophecy, they laid the groundwork for later conspiracy theories. In 1995, Nancy Lieder, a self-proclaimed psychic, popularized the idea of Nibiru as a harbinger of global catastrophe. Lieder claimed to have received messages from extraterrestrials warning of Nibiru's impending collision with Earth.

Predicted Collisions and Failed Predictions

The Nibiru cataclysm theory gained widespread attention in the 2000s, particularly in the lead-up to 2012, when it was linked to the Mayan calendar's supposed end of the world. Advocates of the theory predicted that Nibiru would collide with or pass near Earth, causing massive geological upheavals, tsunamis, and other catastrophic events.

When the world did not end in 2012, proponents of the theory revised their predictions, setting new dates for Nibiru's arrival. Despite repeated failures, the theory has remained popular among certain groups, often fueled by viral internet videos, pseudoscientific articles, and social media posts.

Scientific Refutation

Astronomers and scientists have consistently debunked the Nibiru cataclysm as a hoax. The existence of a large, undiscovered planet with an orbit that brings it close to Earth is inconsistent with established knowledge of celestial mechanics. If such a planet existed, it would have been detected by telescopes or its gravitational effects on other celestial bodies would have been observed.

NASA has addressed the theory multiple times, emphasizing that there is no evidence for the existence of Nibiru or any other rogue planet threatening Earth. The agency's scientists have pointed out that the theory relies on misinterpretations of astronomical data and often conflates unrelated phenomena, such as the search for Planet Nine—a hypothetical planet in the outer solar system that is theorized to exist based on indirect evidence.

Cultural Impact

Despite its lack of scientific credibility, the Nibiru cataclysm has had a notable cultural impact. It has inspired numerous books, films, and online discussions, reflecting a broader fascination with apocalyptic scenarios and the unknown. The theory's persistence highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age, where sensational claims can spread rapidly and gain traction among the public.

External Links

• Post on ZetaTalk talking about the cataclysm