NASA Addresses Misleading Gravity Loss Claims

NASA has taken steps to address false claims circulating on social media suggesting that Earth will experience a temporary loss of gravity. These claims have been associated with so-called “Project Anchor,” a supposed NASA initiative. Senior science communicator at NASA, Karen Fox, informed Newsweek that such conspiracy theories emerge annually.

Fox provided a statement reaffirming that Earth’s gravity will not disappear. She explained that Earth’s gravitational force is determined by its mass, which includes the core, mantle, crust, ocean, terrestrial water, and atmosphere. For gravity to vanish, this mass would need to be lost, which is not feasible.

The resurfacing of these claims seems tied to social media discussions leading up to August 12. Fact-checking outlet Snopes investigated the “Project Anchor” theory earlier this year, after it gained attention online. They found no credible evidence supporting the existence of a leaked NASA document warning of a gravitational loss on August 12, 2026. Instead, Snopes rated the claim as false.

The rumor propagated through social media, accompanied by dramatic stories of a secret $89 billion budget and threats of global chaos. These posts inaccurately alleged NASA’s preparation for a seven-second “gravitational anomaly” and suggested exclusive protection for certain officials and specialists.

Today’s astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, offers opportunities for visibility along a path including Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Russia. Other regions in the Northern Hemisphere will witness a partial eclipse, covering parts of the northern U.S., most of Canada, much of Europe, and parts of Africa. NASA clarified that solar eclipses have no detrimental effect on Earth’s gravity. The gravitational interaction involving the Sun, Moon, and Earth, although affecting tidal forces, does not alter Earth’s overall gravity.