Mayan Calendar prediction

The Mayan calendar is said to be one of the most accurate calendars created in the world, much more accurate to true time and dates than even the calendar used today. Since the Mayans were very mathematical, it seems odd that they would just suddenly end their calendar on the day that they did. The estimated date that the Mayan calendar ended is supposedly on December 21-23, 2012. This is one of the many end of the world predictions that have popped up over the years.

[edit] Theories behind the Mayan calendar prediction

It is unknown why the Mayans thought their calendar should end at that date, but there are several theories about it floating around today. Supposedly, the Mayans thought their "third age" was ending on that date. They figured anything after that date was part of the fourth age. What made them think this is the subject of different theories discussions.

One of these theories is that after 2012, the sun will become up to 50% hotter than it has even been. This could be due to the fact that it is getting ready to explode, or that all the protective layers around earth are slowly eroding over time. However, if this were to be the case, most of the ice would melt at the polar caps, causing a huge world-wide flood or other series of natural disasters. Some people claim that the current trend of unusual weather is leading up to this fact.

Another theory is that there is a giant planet orbiting around earth that will either pass right by the earth in that year, or will collide with it. Believers in this theory cite some ancient texts suggesting that this planet has been by before, causing either the flood in the bible, or the original ice age. At any rate, this theory suggests that when the planet passes or hits the earth, the earth's orbit will be thrown off so much that either all weather will change for good, or that the planet will completely stop rotating for a period of days to years.

Another theory is that in 2012, time travel will be invented, making time irrelevant after that. If time travel was invented, it would make time a more fluid concept, which might be the entry of a fourth age, or it might just be another one of the many end of the world predictions that turn into nothing.

[edit] Other meanings for the "fourth age"

For the Mayan calendar prediction, there are other explanations for what the fourth age could be as well. The fourth age does not have to mean the end of the world; it could also mean the start of a better age. Perhaps after 2012, there will be no more wars, or there will be enough food for everyone worldwide. Some people cite the fourth age as being the "golden age" meaning that it will be one of the best times for people on earth.

Some Christians might believe that the fourth age refers to the time referenced in the Bible where Jesus is supposedly coming back to earth to reign for 1000 years.

However, with all these theories, it is still impossible to know until that day comes.

[edit] What to do about it?

It is likely that all this hype about 2012 will turn into the next Y2K scare. Probably nothing will happen at all. In any case, if you feel like doing something to prepare, perhaps put together a mini emergency kit with a few supplies just in case. In addition, always make sure to spend as much time as possible with your loved ones, just in case this one of the many end of the world predictions is actually real.