Many people perceive december 21, 2012 to be the end of the (physical) world because the Mayan Calendar will end on that day ug uban pa nga mga reason diha. Of course, everyone knows that is not true and there is nothing to support that claim that the (physical) world will end along with the Mayan Calendar.
But let's stop for a minute and think. What do people really understand about this 'end of the world' stuff? Most people have in mind is from the movie 2012, that there is going to be a huge earthquake that will rip the world apart, tsunamis thousands of feet high, volcanoes and super volcanoes erupting all at once and it will all happen at december 21 of 2012. Personally, I find it rubbish. Again, there is no scientific data to support all of those, only
theories.
But, here's my question. Is the 'end of the world
as we know it' going to be the same as the 'end of the (physical) world' for most of you?
Let me give you an example. For those people who were affected by Sendong, daghan kaayo ang nawala nila, balay, mga gamit, membro sa pamilya, you name it. For them, it was the end of the world that they have known. The world they have known was naa silay balay, naa silay mga gamit, kumpleto pa ang ilang pamilya ug uban pa (basically the world they knew before the storm took everything away.)
Now, what could possibly happen this year that will end the world as we know it? Well, we are a civilization that is extremely dependent on technology and electricity. Scientists, even NASA, have indicated that the sun's activity will peak right around 2012 and early 2013.
Last 2006, NASA has issued a solar storm warning --->
Solar Storm Warning - NASA Science
They have predicted that "
the next solar cycle is going to be a big one." Adding that it "
looks like its going to be one of the most intense cycles since record-keeping began almost 400 years ago." --->
Scientists Predict Big Solar Cycle - NASA Science
The Solar Cycle 24 has started early in 2008 and "
Solar cycles usually take a few years to build from solar minimum (where we are now) to Solar Max, expected in 2011 or 2012." --->
Solar Cycle 24 Begins - NASA Science
And in 2009, NASA have predicted that the solar cycle will peak in May of 2013 and with a "
below-average number of sunspots." but "
Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space weather," points out Biesecker. "
The great geomagnetic storm of 1859, for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we’re predicting for 2013." -->
New Solar Cycle Prediction - NASA Science
If you don't know what happened in 1859, you can read here --->
Solar storm of 1859 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and here --->
A Super Solar Flare - NASA Science
Then in May of 2010, NASA have said that "
small solar events have large scale effects" and a solar storm can "
significantly impact technological infrastructure on Earth." --->
NASA - Spacecraft Reveals Small Solar Events Have Large Scale Effects
Now, how devastating will it be if an 1859 type solar storm will hit today? You can check it here --->
Nasa Warns Of Super Solar Storm 2012 - YouTube remember, the current solar storm will be "
about the same size" as the 1859 solar storm. Of course, some of you might point out "sa US man na! Layo ra man ang pilipinas! mabuhi man ta walay kuryente!" You think? Food production and other necessities NEED electricity to function and let's not forget that ATMs need electricity as well,
how can you withdraw all of your money if walay kuryente? Unsa may imong ipalit ug pagkaon if wala kay kwarta? You can also read here --->
Severe Space Weather--Social and Economic Impacts and the official report from the National Academy of Sciences here --->
Severe Space Weather Events--Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts: A Workshop Report
But let's just hope dili ma blackout ang pilipinas if a solar flare hits the earth.
So, is it going to be the 'end of the (physical) world' or 'end of the world we know it'? Go figure.