It's the end of the world and we know it.
As you've probably heard, this cycle of the Mayan Long Count Calendar ends on December 21 2012. Some people have come to believe this means the total end of human civilisation. At the very least, it's already resulted in one terrible Roland Emmerich movie, which is pretty much the same thing.
We took a look at the most realistic doomsday scenarios to find out how the world could actually end this month.
1. Sun Supernova
According to NASA, Supernovas are among the most powerful explosions in the universe and can rival the strength of a few nuclear warheads. The death of the Sun appears to be the one sure thing that could end the world. In five billion years the Sun will enter a phase termed "red giant", where it will expand to such a point that it becomes extremely dense and explodes as a type of supernova, destroying our atmosphere. While that may be a sure thing, the alleged Mayan doomsday is merely two weeks away, so you may not want to put your money down on a suicidal Sun to end the world. Unless we really piss it off.2. Flood Basalt Volcano
These are no ordinary volcanic eruptions. Also known as supervolcanoes, they are a more likely threat than many others when it comes to mass destruction on Earth. A massive volcano eruption will produce an extraordinary intake of volcanic dust and toxic gases into the atmosphere with serious effects on global climate. Like teenagers, volcanoes around the world follow peer pressure from the supervolcano and erupt. Not only do the ash and fumes suffocate the air, block out the sun and drastically lower global temperatures, but sulphuric gases will then incite acid rain and lava flows, eliminating harvests, ultimately leading to mass starvation. Not the ideal scenario for those who want to see out the end of days with a hearty supper.3. Nuclear War
A full scale nuclear war between countries could kill billions, and the possibility of a nuclear winter would effectively crush any form of civilisation. The detonation of large numbers of nuclear weapons has a profound effect on the climate causing cold weather and reduced sunlight for a period of months or even years. In truth, we're still exactly where we've been for the past 70 years: one international argument away from the end of the world. Try not to start anything.4. Solar Flares
Like many destructive affairs throughout the universe, solar flares are a fatal, yet visually fascinating event. Solar flares are jets of plasma shooting out of the sun. In 1859, British astronomer Richard Carrington witnessed the greatest one on record: telegraph lines were electrified, shocking technicians, causing fires and shutting the entire system down. Nothing similar has happened since, but solar flares move in cycles and it has been predicted we will expect stormy solar weather for 2012, which has made some experts nervous. A solar flare coming upon today's vast and interconnected power grid could cause massive outages, radio blackouts, satellite malfunctions, telecommunications-system meltdowns, and the collapse of banking and financial systems. So it's not all bad.5. Asteroid Collision
We all knows what happens here — an American meteorologist approaches the government, struggling to convince them that an asteroid is about to enter our atmosphere and destroy the Earth. Finally, at the last possible opportunity, a group of handsome yet slightly under qualified and borderline unstable men are sent to destroy the asteroid. That Aerosmith song plays and the Earth is safe once more, thanks to America. In reality? The Earth has been struck by small asteroids numerous times in the past, but it would need to be between three and ten kilometres in diameter to cause end-of-the-world devastation. There's nothing of the sort on the radar, but it's probably worth having Bruce Willis on standby just in case.6. Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology
Advancements in nanotechnology leading to robots who become a self aware, superior species and intend to wipe out the weak human race for the greater good? It might make for a mediocre Will Smith film, but that won't happen in real life, right? Well, in 2009, experts attended a conference by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) to discuss the possibility of computers and robots acquiring some sort of autonomy and eventually posing a threat. They noted that self-awareness, as it is depicted in dystopian sci-fi, is unlikely at this stage, but questioned the use of robots and AI technology for military combat when they are given some degree of autonomous functions. Still safer than giving Mitt Romney the red button, though.7. Black Hole
To set the scene — Earth is just orbiting along, minding its own business, when suddenly a wild black hole appears in our cosmic arena. It uses vacuum and is super effective. Earth is either yanked and pulled powerfully enough to create unendurable climatic shifts or kicked out of the solar system all together, delivering us into an eternal winter. Even more eerie is that in recent years experts have discovered 'wandering' Black Holes, which means they gently roam around the universe like celestial Bill Bixbys.8. Alien Invasion
Given the vastness of the universe, it wouldn't be a stretch to believe that we are not alone in it. In most films on the subject our alien neighbours do not come in peace, so we envision the concept of alien contact to be a chaotic mess of laser beams, mass destruction and lens flares, until of course America (and Will Smith) take care of the situation. We can't realistically comment on the possibility of an alien invasion (although this isn't promising), but you can rest assured they'll attack America first.9. Gamma-Ray Bursts
Gamma-ray bursts are high energy beams of electromagnetic radiation shot out of a supernova, or exploding star. Researchers say a routine gamma-ray burst within 3,000 light years of the Earth would release more than enough radiation to completely cook our planet. The nitrogen oxides break through the ozone layer and render us defenceless against the ultraviolet rays from the sun causing skin cancer and numerous eye problems. On the plus side, this cosmogenic regurgitation is the brightest, most wonderfully luminous affair in the universe. You just won't be around to see it.10. Biological Warfare
We couldn't have a doomsday countdown and not mention the possibility of a fatal global pandemic. There are numerous historical examples of pandemics that have had a devastating effect on a large number of people, which makes the possibility of global pandemic a realistic threat to human civilization. However, many experts explain that the chance of a single virus that would be so intense as to destroy the entire human race is unlikely, because there is enough diversity throughout the world that some people would be resistant. Due to the recent infatuation with zombies, average men and women are already pondering and preparing their zombie survival plans — this might be the only doomsday scenario that will disappoint people if it doesn't actually happen.But take heart. Whether the world will end due to disease, invasion, the rise of technology or some other catastrophe, there is one common denominator — Will Smith has survived it all. As long as he's around, we should be safe... right, guys?
Guys?
Guys???
