It's the Final CountdownWill the world meet its maker on December 21, 2012? Is this the end of civilization as it is known? Rumors swirl in modern society, with new conspiracy theories being revealed every second. New York City is littered with homeless people holding up signs declaring the end is near. Several different groups have each prophesied an impending day of doom in December. There are many possible outcomes, but only one can happen and the other outcomes will be dust in the wind until the next scare or vanish with the world. Among the many outcomes, the most likely one is that the world will move forward. One theory that has emerged is of scientific proportions. Many astronomers and astrologers are preparing for an immensely strange apocalypse. Some firmly believe that there will be a phenomenon in the galaxy where all the planets will align, leaving Earth to bear some of the consequences. The alignment of the planet is supposed to cause mass environmental destruction. Human beings would have to rebuild their lives from scratch, changing the way everything is done. Agriculture will have to be completely rethought, as will how people should go out. With alignment, all wireless communications will cease to exist for the short alignment, causing all progress to be lost. NASA has different ideas. According to NASA, “Each December the Earth and sun align with the approximate center of the Milky Way, but this is an annual event of no consequence. (1)” Their scientists claim that there is no possible alignment of the planets for several more decades, claiming that those astronomers and astrologers are impostors or have succumbed to madness. Many skeptics believe that this theory will not come true. But... middle of paper... controversy surrounds this date, and some are betting their lives on it. The final countdown won't come this year. Many years from now, it could be a possibility, centuries away. The cause would probably be attributed to human beings themselves, to the deterioration of the environment and to the lack of attention on the part of those who inhabit the Earth. But to answer the initial question of whether the world will meet its maker, stand firm that the end is not near. Rest assured, good citizens, for now the lives of many are safe. Works Cited "Mayan Theory". Theories of 2012: All the theories of 2012 in one place. Np, nd Web. February 27, 2012."NASA - 2012: The beginning of the end or why the world won't end?". NASA – Home. Np, nd Web. February 27, 2012. “2012 Real Theory: Facts and Predictions..” Official 2012 Countdown: Must-Read Facts December 21, 2012. Np, nd Web. February 27. 2012.