Will Earth's gravity disappear for 7 seconds due to the eclipse? The truth behind the circulating rumor

Hours before the solar eclipse expected on August 12, 2026, sensational claims circulated across social media platforms alleging that Earth would lose its gravity for several seconds, prompting questions and concerns about the validity of these assertions.

NASA confirmed that these claims have no scientific basis and denied that any loss of Earth’s gravity would occur in conjunction with the eclipse.

The rumor also referenced a purported secret project named “Project Anchor,” allegedly linked to preparations for addressing a gravitational disturbance. However, fact-checking efforts found no reliable evidence of the project’s existence or of the documents circulating about it.

Scientifically, Earth’s gravity is tied to its mass and cannot be temporarily halted by a solar eclipse. Furthermore, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during an eclipse does not cause gravity to disappear or make humans and objects float.

The actual event on August 12 will be a solar eclipse. Viewers are advised to use proper protective equipment and to avoid looking directly at the Sun during its partial phases.