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NASA addresses wild theory that 'gravity will switch off for seven seconds' after solar eclipse

ladbible.com

A viral claim that a solar eclipse will switch off gravity for seven seconds sent NASA scrambling to issue a public denial — why do eclipses keep spawning physics myths?

Misinformation DiffusionProportionality BiasArgument from IgnoranceSocial Contagion
NASA addresses wild theory that 'gravity will switch off for seven seconds' after solar eclipse

Theory Briefing

  • NASA explicitly stated the Earth will not lose gravity during the solar eclipse, directly countering the viral seven-second claim.
  • The theory framed a routine astronomical event as a moment of suspended physical law — a pattern seen with nearly every major eclipse.
  • Solar eclipses create sudden, dramatic sensory changes like darkness and temperature drops, giving people a visceral feeling that something fundamental has shifted.
  • The speed at which the claim spread forced an official NASA response, showing how quickly eclipse myths reach mainstream audiences.