'Project Anchor' Theory Explained: NASA Denies Gravity Will be Switched Off - Newsweek
newsweek.com
A debunked claim that Earth will briefly lose gravity is surging on social media ahead of a total solar eclipse — and NASA felt compelled to officially deny it.
Conspiracy TheoryAvailability HeuristicSocial ContagionArgument from Authority

Theory Briefing
- A long-debunked conspiracy theory dubbed 'Project Anchor' claims Earth will temporarily lose gravity, prompting an official NASA denial.
- The theory is gaining fresh traction on social media tied to the timing of an upcoming total solar eclipse.
- NASA's public rebuttal shows how viral misinformation can force official scientific bodies to respond to claims with no credible basis.
- Solar eclipses have historically triggered supernatural fears — this cycle repeats the pattern with a modern social-media amplifier.