FACT CHECK: Five Viral Science Myths Explained by Physics, Astronomy, and Evidence

Article type: Myth Buster, Fact Check, Explainer 

Written by: Astrophyzix Science Communication

Introduction: Examining Popular Claims Through Evidence-Based Science

From solar storms to alien spacecraft claims, misinformation spreads fastest when real science sounds complicated. Below, we explore and explain five recent online misconceptions using established physics, peer-reviewed research, and direct observational evidence.

Does Solar Activity Cause Earthquakes on Earth?

The idea that solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) trigger earthquakes resurfaces frequently during periods of high solar activity. Scientifically, this claim does not hold up.

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic stress accumulation within Earth’s lithosphere. As tectonic plates slowly move, stress builds along fault lines until it is released as seismic energy. This process occurs several kilometers beneath Earth’s surface and is governed by rock mechanics, not electromagnetic forces.

Solar activity primarily affects:

• Earth’s magnetosphere
• The ionosphere
• Radio communications and satellites

Even the most powerful solar storms do not exert mechanical force on Earth’s crust. Multiple statistical studies comparing earthquake timing with solar cycles show no causal correlation beyond random coincidence.

⏩ Conclusion based on Physics and Geology:

Solar activity cannot trigger earthquakes because it does not interact with tectonic stress systems. 

Can Solar Activity Cause Tsunamis on Earth?

Tsunamis require the rapid displacement of massive volumes of water. This occurs through:

• Undersea earthquakes
• Volcanic eruptions
• Submarine landslides
• Large impacts

Solar flares and geomagnetic storms operate far above Earth’s surface and do not physically interact with ocean water. While the Sun does influence tides via gravity, this effect is gradual and predictable — not sudden or violent.

No mechanism exists by which solar magnetic disturbances could produce the vertical seafloor movement required to generate a tsunami. There are also no verified observations of tsunami events coinciding with solar storms.

⏩ Conclusion based on physics: 

Solar activity does not and cannot cause tsunamis.

Was 3I/ATLAS an Alien Spacecraft?

3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object detected passing through our solar system. Its unusual trajectory sparked online speculation that it was an alien probe.

However, astronomical observations show an hyperbolic orbit which is consistent with natural interstellar origin and no propulsion, course corrections, or emissions pointing towards technological design. 

The brightness variations of 3I/ATLAS match tumbling natural bodies and this is well documents in know science. 

Interstellar objects are expected by modern planetary formation models. Gravitational interactions eject debris from star systems routinely. Detecting such objects is rare only because of observational limitations, not because they are unnatural.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. No such evidence exists for artificial construction or intelligent control.

⏩ Conclusion based on cometary physics and evidence:

3I/ATLAS is a natural interstellar object, not a spacecraft.

Will Asteroid Apophis Hit Earth?

Asteroid 99942 Apophis caused concern after its discovery in 2004 due to initial orbital uncertainties. 

As more data became available, those uncertainties were eliminated.

Modern orbital modeling uses:

• Radar ranging
• Optical astrometry
• N-body gravitational simulations

These methods allow astronomers to predict asteroid trajectories decades into the future with remarkable precision. Current models show zero probability of Apophis impacting Earth during its 2029 close approach or afterward.

Apophis will pass safely above Earth and pose no collision threat for at least the next century.

⏩ Conclusion based on observational data:  

Apophis will not hit Earth. Such claims are misinformation and misunderstanding. 

Is Remote Viewing Backed by Science?

Remote viewing claims the ability to perceive distant locations or objects using the mind alone. Despite decades of investigation, it has never met scientific standards of evidence.

The U.S. government’s Stargate Project evaluated remote viewing claims under controlled conditions. Independent reviews concluded:

• Results were inconsistent
• Success rates matched chance expectation
• No reliable replication was possible

Modern neuroscience and physics provide no mechanism for information transfer without a physical medium. Controlled experiments consistently fail to demonstrate an effect beyond statistical noise.

⏩ Conclusion based on evidence:  

Remote viewing is not supported by reproducible scientific evidence.

 

Why These Myths Persist

Patterns, coincidences, and unfamiliar science create fertile ground for misinformation. When explanations are complex, simple — but incorrect — narratives often win attention.

Scientific understanding advances through observation, testing, and replication. Claims that bypass these steps remain speculation, regardless of how compelling they sound.

Sources & Further Reading

• NASA – Solar Physics & Planetary Defense
• NASA JPL – Center for Near-Earth Object Studies
• USGS – Earthquake Science
• National Academies of Sciences
• Skeptical Inquirer – Paranormal Claims

---