The Day Gravity QUIT!

The Day Gravity QUIT!

From What The If? by Philip Shane

February 13, 2026 · 41 min

About this episode

The episode explores a viral conspiracy theory about Earth losing gravity for seven seconds and its implications.

A conspiracy theory went viral claiming that on August 12th, 2026, Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds. The internet did what the internet does, and millions of people started talking about it. So we decided to take the question seriously — what the if gravity actually clocked out for seven seconds? Let's just say you might want to start shopping for bungee cords now. And maybe a bouncy castle. This episode was inspired by an Instagram post from the now-mysteriously-vanished user Mr. Donya OF, where all great science begins. --- Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story! Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

People in this episode

Host: Philip Shane

Topics covered

  • gravity
  • conspiracy theory
  • science fiction
  • internet culture
  • theoretical physics

Keywords

  • gravity
  • conspiracy theory
  • August 12th, 2026
  • science fiction
  • bungee cords
  • bouncy castle

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Luminescent Machinations: Queer Tales of Monumental Invention

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