Many people are claiming that the end of the world is coming. This claim has been made before, with no results, but a lot of hype and even hysteria is stemming from the ancient Mayan calendar that says the "long cycle" comes to an end on approximately December 21, 2012. (Some sources site December 23, 2012, as an alternative.) Mayan scholars deny that the end of this calendar cycle also signifies the end of time as we know it, and they say Mayans never made such a claim that they foresaw the end of the world. What do astronomers think of this special date?
Astronomy Facts About December 21, 2012
December 21, 2012, is indeed the date of the winter solstice, which in the year 2012 occurs at 11:11 Universal Time. Of course, the winter solstice occurs right on cue every year, with no ill effect. The other claim about this date being special besides the winter solstice is that the Earth will be aligned with the Milky Way's center.
The Sun and its solar system are slightly inclined to the plane of the rest of the Milky Way Galaxy. Twice a year, the Earth, during its orbit around the Sun, passes through the galactic plane. There is no special significance to this. The Earth cannot truly align with the "center" of the Milky Way Galaxy as much as it can simply be in the same plane as the bulk of the galaxy. No special forces or extra gravitational tug pulls on Earth during these times. The Earth reaching the winter (December) solstice does not even refer to our planet's position around the Sun, it refers to the tilt of its axis. Winter for the Northern Hemisphere on Earth is when the North Pole is tilted the most away from the Sun, giving people in the Northern Hemisphere its shortest days and least direct rays of sunshine. The occurrence of the solstice and the Earth being in the galactic plane at the same time produces no effect.
Plainly put, there is nothing about December 21, 2012, as far as the winter solstice and the Earth aligning with the Milky Way's center, that is extraordinary or that would cause the sudden demise of our planet.
Viewing the Sky on December 21, 2012
Regardless of the facts, the hype of this date has been building for many years. There will probably be many people with their eyes turned heavenward on this date, waiting to see what might happen. Here is what you will see on December 21, 2012, if the sky is cloudless and you venture out to look up.
First of all, if you made it to the evening of December 21, 2012, breathe a sigh of relief. Because the solstice already occurred in the morning. 11:11 UT is the same as 6:11 am EST.
Two planets are out as soon as sun sets, Jupiter, the King of the Planets, and Mars, named for the God of War. Very appropriate. Mars is already setting in the west as it gets darks. Jupiter is rising in the east in the constellation Taurus. Jupiter is placed near Taurus' brightest star Aldebaran, looking like the second eye of the Bull. In between Mars and Jupiter, close to overhead, is the moon. It is in a gibbous phase and lies in the constellation Pisces.
While there is no factual basis for the Mayan End-of-Times paranoia, this certainly won't stop opportunists or the gullible.
Read more about 2012 debunked.
