What is this end of the world thing 2012?

Question: What is this end of the world thing 2012!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The Mayans, as well as several other ancient civilizations, had very complex and accurate calendars that end in the year 2012!. They do not specifically predict anything, including the end of the world!. The calendars just end that year!.

From an astronomical basis this makes sense, because 2012 is the year that our current 'age' will end!. Astronomical / astrological ages can last thousands of years!.

Astronomers say that in the year 2012, among other things, our solar system will become perfectly aligned with the center of our galaxy, and then begin moving to the 'other side (or plane) of the Milky Way!.

There is no way to know for sure what, if anything, this type of occurance will cause!.

Some physicists, paleontologists, meteorologists, and other scientists have all predicted that around that same time, we can expect solar storms, crazy weather patterns, increased mental illness, famines, etc!. These are all kinds of things that make people who expect the end to come soon get really excited!.

Some other possibilities for the year 2012:
It marks a transition to a higher human consciousness!.
It foretells a planned visit from extraterrestrials!.
It warns of a time of turmoil and natural disasters for the Earth!.
It predicts the date when artificial (computer) intelligence will become real!.
It marks the date for the second coming of Jesus/God/Buddah/Satan/FSM/Hitler/etc!.

There are many other predictions and interpretations as well!.
Only time will tell the real story!. There is plenty of information about the year 2012 stuff all over the web - especially YouTube!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well, I'm gonna be the Buddha here and travel down the "middle path!."

No!. 1: End-of-the-world "hypotheses" are typically bunk -- especially when they point you to a particular date (as the 2012 "prophecy" does)

No!. 2: The 2012 "panic" (to use undeserved hyperbole) is actually based on real speculation, although it is not due serious consideration, as I will show!.

The Mayan calender does indeed end on Dec!. 21st(!?), 2012!. The Mayans were some of the most meticulous timekeepers and astronomists in history!. However, it is arguable that even THEY considered 2012 as the "end date"; for them, it was merely an end to a cycle; this sounds to our apocalypse-loving ears like an end-of-the-world proclamation, but in fact "end of a cycle" doesn't need to mean "end of the world" AT ALL!. Mentions of cycle-beginnings and -endings are pervasive in ancient Eastern cultures, for example, and most often refer to things "changing" rather than "ending!." It's my understanding that the most likely interpretation of the 2012 "prophecy" is that things will merely "change", and only on the macrocosmic level, at that!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The Mayan calendar predicts that mankind will end in the year 2012, so all the people who have written books about it are spreading the word through people power (viral marketing), trying to sell as many books as possible before 2012 comes and nothing actually happens!.

By asking this question you're indirectly advertising someone's book!. You are a walking advert!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The ancient Mayan calendar ends with the year 2012 so!.!.!.there is a theory that is the end of the world!. But, maybe the Mayans just got tired of making all of those calendars huh!? ;)

There's also another theory that a second sun in the sky, Nemesis, is heading toward the earth!. In theory, this second sun will enter Earth's atmosphere and mess up our gravitational pull thus ending all life as we know it on planet Earth!.

Who really knows though, huh!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

well many scientific evaluations and research has found that 2012 may just be the end, with global warming, polution, technology, money and price issues and all: i think it's just a speculation, but there is lots of evidence leading to it and like one of the answerers said; about the crystal skulls, they believe if they can align them, it could stop the apocalypseWww@QuestionHome@Com

It's garbage designed to rip off the gullible by getting them to buy lots of books and videotapes and create many hits on conspiracy websites!.

There is no 2012 "theory!." A theory is a hypothesis which has been tested!. And a hypothesis is an "educated" guess based on logic and reason!.

2012 is neither!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Very interesting saw that on television, the aligning up of the quartz skulls( I believe that is what it was called) Interesting concept this is supposed to save the planet and stop the destruction!

Hey Mantrid , take it easy, I didn't take it as advertising it is merely a question, lighten up!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I also heard that Planet X is coming also!. Wow if it was true then wouldn't they say something on the news networks!? The end of the world of course they would want everyone to know!. So we could reach out and help each other!. We can sing songs and light candles!.Then tivo it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It is a crock of crap that the naysayers are delving into for one foolish reason or another!. They are utilizing the Mayan Calender as the basis of their claims and I believe a lot of foolish people will be red faced and disappointed on the new year of 2013!.Www@QuestionHome@Com