In what might be the most bizarre celestial misunderstanding of the year, NASA has been forced to issue an urgent clarification regarding the upcoming 2026 solar eclipse hoax. A viral theory sweeping social media claims that during the August 12 planetary alignment, Earth’s gravity will momentarily drop, allowing residents to experience "7 seconds of weightlessness." While the prospect of floating through your living room sounds delightful, space agency officials are reminding the public that physics—unfortunately—remains fully operational. The NASA eclipse gravity warning comes as local authorities report a surge in concerned citizens buying heavy chains and "anti-gravity" anchors.

The Viral TikTok Eclipse Challenge: #TheBigFloat

The rumor appears to have originated from a resurrected April Fools' joke, but it has found new life as a viral TikTok eclipse challenge dubbed "#TheBigFloat." videos racking up millions of views show influencers demonstrating how to "prepare" for the zero-gravity moment by velcroing furniture to carpets and purchasing weighted vests for their Chihuahuas.

"We’ve had calls from residents asking if they need to tie down their swimming pools," said Sgt. Mike Kowalski of the polite but exhausted Local Police Department in Toledo. "One gentleman was caught trying to duct-tape his Honda Civic to a lamppost. We just want to remind everyone that gravity is not a subscription service that gets paused."

The Science: Why the Zero Gravity Eclipse Myth is False

The so-called zero gravity eclipse 7 seconds theory is scientifically impossible. It relies on the "Jovian-Plutonian Gravitational Effect," a pseudoscientific concept that claims the alignment of Jupiter and Pluto exerts a combined pull that counteracts Earth's gravity. This myth was actually created in 1976 by British astronomer Patrick Moore as a radio prank. Fifty years later, it’s still tricking people.

In reality, the gravitational pull of other planets on humans is negligible. Even if all the planets in the solar system aligned perfectly (which they won't on August 12, 2026), the change in gravity you would feel is less than the weight of a single atom. You are not going to float. Your sandwich is not going to float. The only thing floating away is common sense.

Residents Begin 'Tethering' Pets and Porch Furniture

Despite the scientific rebuttal, funny local news 2026 reports confirm that preparation for "The Big Float" is in full swing. Hardware stores in Florida and Texas have reported a run on heavy-duty carabiners and ground stakes. Social media groups are filled with diagrams on how to "tether" outdoor patio sets so they don't drift into the stratosphere.

"I'm not taking any chances with Mr. Whiskers," said local resident Brenda Miller, showing reporters a custom-made lead-lined cat carrier. "NASA says it's fake, but they also said Pluto isn't a planet. I'm keeping my feet explicitly on the ground, literally and metaphorically."

NASA's Official Stance: Gravity is Here to Stay

A spokesperson for NASA addressed the space news debunked rumors in a press briefing this morning. "There is no planetary alignment in 2026 that will alter Earth's gravitational constant," the official stated. "The August 12 total solar eclipse will be a spectacular visual event visible from Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. It will block sunlight, not gravity. Please stop taping your children to lawn chairs."

What Will Actually Happen During the 2026 Eclipse?

The real event on August 12, 2026, will be a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun. It will be the first total eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999. While you won't experience zero gravity, you will experience twilight in the middle of the day and a drop in temperature. That is the extent of the physical effects. No floating involved.

The Planetary Alignment Gravity Myth Resurfaces

This isn't the first time the planetary alignment gravity myth has caused confusion, but the speed of its spread in 2026 highlights the power of algorithmic misinformation. Experts suggest that the allure of a magical, weightless moment is simply too fun to ignore, leading people to share the hoax despite the obvious scientific impossibilities.

As we approach the August eclipse, remember: the only thing you need to prepare is your certified eclipse glasses. Your gravity boots can stay in the closet.