Between warnings of a devastating earthquake in Peru and scientists' denials: Do the planets control Earth's fate?
The name of the controversial Dutch seismologist, Frank Hoogerbeets, has once again taken center stage in the digital world as 2026 begins, sparking a new round of debate that blends rare astronomical phenomena with human anxieties about natural disasters. While the world views space as a beautiful canvas, Hoogerbeets sees it as a "time clock" warning of imminent earthquakes.
The Astronomical Scene: Planetary Alignment Under the Microscope
On Sunday evening, January 18, Hoogerbeets published an image documenting a rare alignment of a group of planets—Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter—in direct conjunction with Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. This scene, which he describes as "the grand geometry of the planets," is not merely an optical phenomenon for him, but a dynamic indicator that he claims directly affects Earth's crust due to the interaction of gravitational forces.
The Danger Compass Points Towards South America
The Dutch observer did not stop at discussing conjunctions; he also identified a potential "ground zero"; He issued a stark warning for the Peruvian coast, predicting seismic activity that could reach magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.
Hugebitz bases his hypothesis on his own statistical analysis, which indicates that major earthquakes (above magnitude 7) in recent years have been concentrated beneath the Peruvian and Ecuadorian regions. He claims this has led to an accumulation of immense tectonic pressure near the coasts, awaiting a "cosmic trigger" to unleash its energy.
Color Codes and Messages of Fear
In an attempt to disguise his predictions as "technical," Hugerbitz employs a color-coding system for planetary conjunctions, highlighting some in deep red. According to him, this color symbolizes the "extreme danger zone," particularly when Earth aligns with Mercury and Mars. He considers these alignments to be the primary drivers of violent geological upheavals.
The Scientific Community: A Bulwark Against "Seismic Astrology"
On the other hand, the global scientific community, with its various disciplines in geology and astronomy, stands as a bulwark against these posts. Experts agree on a number of established scientific facts:
- Internal Origin: Earthquakes are the result of the interaction of tectonic plates and magma pressure within the Earth. Distant planets do not possess sufficient gravitational force to move the rocks of the Earth's crust.
- Lack of Evidence: Scientists confirm that the "planetary geometry" theory lacks any peer-reviewed research papers or laboratory experiments to prove its validity and is classified as "pseudoscience."
- Statistical Coincidence: Geologists believe that an earthquake occurring after Hoogerbitz's "prediction" is merely a statistical coincidence, given that the Earth experiences thousands of earthquakes naturally each year.
Between Public Concern and Ethical Responsibility
The return of Hoogerbitz raises questions about the ethical responsibility of social media platforms in disseminating news that could cause public panic, especially in areas naturally prone to earthquakes. While millions are watching with anticipation, psychologists warn that the "anticipation effect" could create a state of collective anxiety that affects the stability of societies, without being based on solid scientific fact.
