What would happen if world lost gravity for 7 seconds as NASA responds to viral theory

We take many things in life for granted, including gravity.

The importance of the invisible force that pulls objects together is often overlooked... given that we can't see it. But if it were to disappear for just a few seconds, we'd certainly know about it.

According to a viral conspiracy theory that's been doing the rounds, gravity is set to take a short break from holding things down here on Earth later this year.

Claims have been circulating that a top-secret NASA document titled 'Project Anchor' was leaked online in November 2024, which supposedly states that there will be a 'gravitational anomaly' on 12 August 2026.

This seven-second blip would apparently lead to '40 million deaths from falls', 'infrastructure destruction', 'economic collapse lasting over 10 years' and 'mass panic', among other unfortunate events.

It was alleged that NASA had set aside a budget of $89 billion (£66bn) to counter the damage, although the US space agency has since rubbished the rumours.

NASA has insisted the Earth 'will not' lose gravity for several seconds in August (Getty/LaserLens)

A spokesperson essentially told Snopes that the online speculation about an upcoming loss of gravity is a load of rubbish, insisting that it 'will not' occur.

"The Earth will not lose gravity on Aug 12, 2026," NASA said. "Earth's gravity, or total gravitational force, is determined by its mass.

"The only way for the Earth to lose gravity would be for the Earth system, the combined mass of its core, mantle, crust, ocean, terrestrial water, and atmosphere, to lose mass."

A total solar eclipse is set to take place on 12 August this year; however, NASA says it will have 'no unusual impact on Earth's gravity'.

The spokesperson added: "The gravitational attraction of the Sun and Moon on the Earth, which doesn't impact Earth's total gravity, but does impact tidal forces, is well understood and is predictable decades in advance."

Despite the viral conspiracy theory now officially being debunked by NASA's space boffins, some people can't help but wonder what would happen if the Earth really did lose gravity for seven seconds on a warm August afternoon.

As a result, many social media users have found themselves watching a YouTube video that explains what the world would look like if that happened.

Anything that isn't nailed down would go flying (Getty Stock Image)

There are a host of comments under the clip, which was originally uploaded to the 'What If' science channel in 2020, along the lines of: "Who is here from TikTok video of Earth losing gravity in August 2026?"

The clip makes some quite audacious claims about this hypothetical scenario.

It explains that people positioned along the equator would 'feel the impact of zero gravity the hardest' and this is because the Earth spins faster there than it does at the poles.

According to 'What If', if gravity really did go AWOL, 'everything that isn't secured firmly to the ground would go flying' - from cars, animals, human beings and trees.

It claims there would be 'mid-air floods' as Earth's ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans empty, while 'the gases in the atmosphere would drift out into space'.

The video explains: "Not only are we now losing huge amounts of oxygen, but the sudden and sharp drop in air pressure would instantly shatter everyone's inner ears.

"And then there's the planet itself, which is literally held together by gravity. Without gravity, the pressure of the Earth’s inner core would cause the planet to expand.

"It's not like five seconds without gravity would cause the world to explode, but even a five-second expansion of the Earth's inner core would cause some major earthquakes, and trigger huge volcanic eruptions."

The clip claims humans who somehow survive those few seconds of chaos would 'hit the ground hard' when gravity is restored - while the world would also be in quite a state.

"The number of casualties would be astronomical," the video adds. "Not just from flying debris, lack of oxygen, or simultaneous natural disasters, but because in those five seconds without gravity, the Earth's crust literally opened up and swallowed several major cities. A lot can happen in just five seconds.

"And that just goes to show how essential gravity is to life on Earth, and beyond!"

So, there you have it, folks - make sure you add gravity to the list of things that you're thankful for today.